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,"

breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks,

against Corley's, but

eyes tightened slightly, but

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

I look

but you're my bro. You said it yourself, if I need help, call

Corley at a

Brother, my ass!

him, when it

thought much of it, but now, lugging

to fetch the watering can when Corley noted, got

t belongs to swich

Roseanne asked, "Here?"

face."

and stepping forward to

a small mirror from a drawer and using a

as she did so, "Why make it so complicated? This is much

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

Roseanne said, watching him

the end of the

Murray hadn't left.

half an hour, anxiously watching the building's

played out in

up, he fought the urge to rush

Corley stay

flashed through his mind, and his heart ached with a

was on the brink of despair, he

heart eased; relief flooded in,