Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed
Chapter 92

"Really?" Roseanne couldn't believe her ears.

"Yeah," Owen confirmed with a nod.

Taking a deep breath, she sighed, "Thank you. I feel much better now."

Seeing her quickly adjust her mood, Owen felt more at ease.

Owen asked, "Are you hungry? There's this amazing BBQ place nearby."

Roseanne thought for a minute but didn't refuse.

The place was known for its barbecued ribs. But knowing Owen wasn't much for spicy food, they opted for something light.

The fiery side of the grill bubbled and steamed, looking incredibly appetizing.

Roseanne was still down, but the lively atmosphere around them helped lift her spirits.

The ribs were tender and delicious, the vegetables fresh and vibrant. Even without much of an appetite initially, the sight and smell of the food were enough to make anyone hungry.

Outside, the storm raged on, but inside, it was warm and cozy. The hum of conversation from around gave the place a comforting feel, helping Roseanne's mood improve.

She noticed Owen was barely eating, his movements slow and deliberate. It seemed he wasn't there for the food but to comfort her.

Remembering how he had been there for her during a dark, rainy night before, in his quiet, unassuming way, Roseanne felt grateful from her heart.

"Thanks for today. I never thought I'd be in such an awkward situation. I didn't know how I would have managed alone if you hadn't been there. To me, what happened earlier was like a nightmare." Even though she told herself not to care, how could she not be affected?

As she snapped back to the present, she caught Owen's clear gaze and couldn't help but smile. "I'm so glad you were there, like a knight in shining armor."

"That's not how you use that phrase," Owen chuckled.

Looking into his eyes, Roseanne heard his voice again. "You're stronger and more resilient than you think."

Owen wasn't saying it to comfort her. He truly believed she was strong.

Roseanne paused as if seeing something new, then laughed, "Your glasses are all fogged up. Does that not bother you?"

His glasses had fogged up from the steam, making him look somewhat comical.

A bit sheepishly, Owen took the glasses off and wiped them with a napkin. "That's why I don't come to BBQ places often."

With a playful sparkle in her eye, Roseanne rested her chin on her hand, "So, BBQ places aren't your thing, huh?"

"It's not that I dislike them. They're just kind of a hassle, you know?" Owen explained as he cleaned his glasses and put them back on.

Roseanne nodded, recalling the meals they'd shared at her place. Owen had never shown a preference for anything in particular.

Seeing her lost in thought again, Owen suggested, "Try the beef. It's good..."

"Thanks, I will," Roseanne replied, taking a piece herself.

Owen had to head back to the lab, so he could only drop Roseanne off at her building.

The rain had stopped, leaving the air moist and cold. Roseanne shivered and instinctively wrapped her coat tighter around her, catching the familiar scent of wood. Looking down at the dark coat on her, she couldn't help but laugh. Remembering Owen was only wearing a thin sweater, she wondered if he'd be alright.

But after hearing his continuous sneezing the next day, Roseanne concluded that men weren't as resistant to the cold as she thought.

"I've sent your coat for dry cleaning. It should be back in a few days."