Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The glare in his eyes was like a sharp sting as he watched Corley's back retreating. Bam! He slammed his fist against the steering wheel.

Oh, how he wanted to jump out, grab the guy by his collar, and give him a real thrashing.

But then he hesitated-

What right did he have to lash out?

An ex-boyfriend who couldn't let go?

Or a once-upon-a-time best buddy?

He let out a bitter chuckle, realizing he could only stand there in silence, watching them disappear upstairs.

...

With the delivery done, Corley was about to leave.

Roseanne came from the living room with a glass of water, offering it to him. "Thanks, man, have a drink before you go."

Corley looked up at her, his voice hoarse, "Sure."

Roseanne started tidying the place, planning to sort everything properly the next day.

Just then, a loud crash echoed as the wind picked up, slamming the balcony door she had forgotten to close earlier.

Remembering the plants on the balcony, she worried that if the wind knocked them off, someone might get hurt.

So, she paused what she was doing and hurried to move the plants inside.

One of the pots was particularly heavy, and after several attempts, she couldn't budge it.

At that moment, a pair of hands reached over, gripping the base, and effortlessly lifted it up.

it," Corley

sigh

they accidentally brushed against Corley's, but

but he showed

easily move the healthy little palm inside, Roseanne pointed awkwardly at the

chuckled, amused. "Do I look like a

my bro. You said it

Corley at a

Brother, my ass!

she called him, when it came from her,

hadn't thought much of it, but now, lugging them all inside, Roseanne

watering can when Corley noted,

t belongs to swich

Roseanne asked, "Here?"

face."

and stepping forward to

small mirror from a drawer and using a tissue to clean her

she did so, "Why make it so complicated?

his hand, suppressing the turmoil in his eyes, and chuckled softly. "If there's nothing else, I'll head

said, watching

at the end

Murray hadn't left.

his car for half an hour, anxiously watching

scenario had played out

light up, he fought the urge to rush up and knock on the

stay the

flashed through his mind, and

he was on the brink of

his heart eased; relief flooded in,