Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 627

Roseanne pushed the door open, ready to step out of the car.

Then, a voice stopped her in her tracks -

"I've got another question."

She turned around, "What's up?"

Corley waved an invitation in his hand, "Is Murray coming?"

Roseanne sighed, "...Can we not talk about him?"

"Well, I figured as much. Just wanted to make sure. How about Owen Reynolds?"

Roseanne nodded, "Of course, the professor got an invite."

"What did he contribute to the lab setup?"

"He didn't get his hands dirty with the construction, but he did hook us up with a temporary lab space. Kept our research on schedule." Corley was silent for a moment.

Roseanne added, "If that's all, I'll be heading out."

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

He watched her climb the stairs to her apartment, waiting until the light in her room flicked on before driving away.

...

After a shower and slipping into her cozy fleece pajamas, Roseanne knocked on Owen Reynolds' door.

"Professor? Are you home?"

No answer.

tried once when she

still no sign of

was about to head back, footsteps echoed from downstairs, growing clearer until

Reynolds, rounding the corner, froze

dim hallway light, Roseanne stood at the top

a moment, he thought his eyes were

wasn't until she sweetly called out "Professor?" that it

you doing

door, seemed like you weren't around.

to stand before her, "Did you need

to -" Suddenly, she paused, sniffing the air, "Professor, have

"Sorry... Is it that

back, increasing the distance

"Not at

smell,

Despite the alcohol

pleasant scent of

vel?

colleague from the States was in Lumina City, haven't seen each other in years. We got

and I might've had a few

Q.UMS

you okay, though?" What she really wanted to know was if he was

nodded, "I'm fine, really,

wait here!" She turned and dashed home, returning shortly with an envelope

your invite to

ceremony. If

it'd