Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 785

Owen Reynolds paused, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Stoddard jumped up, grinning widely. "I knew it! Owen, buddy, even you have your moments, huh?"

"Is it because of little Roseanne?" he teased.

Owen shot him a sharp look. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Oh, come on, don't play coy with me. We've been friends too long for you to hide anything. I can see right through you."

"Get lost, who said we're that close?"

Stoddard chuckled. "You don't want to be close to me because all you want is to be close to Roseanne."

Owen's gaze hardened. "Stop joking around like that. I can handle gossip, but Roseanne's different. She's got her reputation to think about, and she's still in school. So keep your big mouth shut."

Stoddard raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, relax. I know where to draw the line. I wouldn't actually ruin a girl's reputation."

Owen sighed in relief. "Good to hear."

"So, ready to spill the beans?"

"There's nothing to spill."

ignoring you lately? Did

thinking back. "I don't think

smiled and greeted him, not a trace of annoyance on her

"So...

shook his head. "We

maybe with someone else, right?

"Shut up."

snapped his fingers. "See, that reaction! I'm spot on

a smooth-talking guy, making you

up your game. If you like Roseanne, don't

girlfriend if you take too

narrowed, and his

says I haven't

move? When? How come

his teeth. "Stop making

to tell her

hesitated. "I tried, but she

"Said what?"

focus on her

"Oh man, Owen, you're in trouble. That's just a polite way to turn someone

felt a sinking feeling

But...