Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 813

He glanced down at her phone, sighing softly, a hint of resignation in his voice. “Let's just cancel the order. I'll drive you home."

Drive you home...

Roseanne's heart fluttered at those words, and she couldn't help but smile. "Okay."

Warm air filled the car, driving out the winter chill almost instantly.

Owen Reynolds glanced sideways at her flushed fingers. He didn't even have to ask-

"Been out playing in the snow?"

Roseanne stayed silent, caught off guard.

What is this, Sherlock Holmes?

Owen didn't press her for an answer; he simply said, "There's some orange cinnamon tea in the thermos, and there are disposable cups in the glove compartment. Help yourself, it'll warm you up."

The thermos was nestled in the cup holder by the handbrake. As Roseanne unscrewed the lid, steam curled up, carrying the bright scent of orange. But if you lingered for a moment, the aroma of cinnamon crept in behind the sweetness.

Roseanne knew how to make orange cinnamon tea; she'd brewed it plenty of times for Murray, though she herself never cared much for the taste of cinnamon.

"...It's a bit awkward to drink in the car. I'll wait until I get home."

She spoke as she quietly screwed the lid back on.

Owen chuckled. "I added sugar. It's not as bad as you think."

"It's not that I didn't say it was bad! I just... want to wait until later, that's all!"

"If you hadn't insisted on that last part, I might've believed you."

Roseanne shot him a look.

acting like

"I am not."

sparkled with laughter. "So

"Nope."

in less cinnamon and more

him

"Try it and see."

Giving in, Roseanne grabbed a paper cup and poured herself a small

he watched her, as if she were afraid the cup would

tentative sip. Sweet, yes, but the cinnamon was

Fooled again.

she'd poured, though her face betrayed just how much

by your expression, you'd think

embarrassed. "Professor, did

Owen nodded. "Yeah."

coming down

"...No."

who was

The answer was obvious.

eyes straight

Roseanne looked

snow on

even thicker now,

are you spending New Year's

My parents

"The Rodriguez family?"

one

mom's first New Year's with her parents since

was coming to Lumina City for the holidays, there

would stay behind in