"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 ce nearby."


    Roseanne thought for a minute but didn''t refuse.


    The ce 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 ce aforting 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 tofort 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 d 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 tofort her. He truly believed she was strong.


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


    His sses had fogged up from the steam, making him look somewhatical.


    A bit sheepishly, Owen took the sses off and wiped them with a napkin. "That''s why I don''te to BBQ ces often."


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


    "It''s not that I dislike them. They''re


    just kind of a hassle, you k


    Owen exined as he


    sses and put them


    envels


    Roseanne nodded, recalling the meals they''d shared at her ce. Owen had never shown a preference for anything in particr.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    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 theb, 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.


    vel


    Looking down at the dark coat on her, she couldn''t help butugh. Remembering Owen was only wearing a thin sweater, she


    wondered if he''d be alright tent


    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."