Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 52: Too Close
Abby

Sitting in the dimly lit kitchen, the soft clinking of our utensils is a comforting lullaby against the

evening’s silence. I sneak glances at Karl every now and then, his features illuminated with a gentle

glow from the overhead light. He seems lost in his thoughts, enjoying every bite.

“This pasta turned out really well,” he murmurs, drawing my attention.

I chuckle, twirling another mouthful onto my fork. “Team effort, remember?”

Karl smiles. “Yes, but I think someone here had the magic touch, and it sure as hell wasn’t me.”

Laughing lightly, I shake my head. “You flatter too much, Mr. Know-It-All.”

As I twirl the spaghetti around my fork, Karl’s gaze meets mine, a hint of mirth in his eyes. “You know,”

he begins, pausing for effect, “I never thought I’d see the day where you’re more engrossed in your

food than in giving orders.”

I feign shock, clutching my chest. “Mr. Karl, are you insinuating that I’m bossy?”

His laughter fills the room, its rich timbre a comforting note in the ambiance of our intimate dinner.

“Never, Miss Abby. Simply observing,” he winks.

Giggling, I take a playful swipe at him with my napkin. We continue this light banter, laughing over silly

anecdotes and shared memories. With each passing minute, my guard slips a little further.

I hate myself for it, for being so easily lulled into this contentment. For being so comfortable and at

peace in Karl’s presence.

As I reach for my glass of water, my fingers brush against his.

I can’t help but notice the warmth of his touch, and how his skin feels against mine—strong yet gentle.

In the dim light of the kitchen, he looks… captivating. The way the soft glow accentuates the rugged

contours of his face, the spark in his eyes, and that boyish charm that lurks just beneath his often stern

exterior—it’s all disarmingly handsome.

I can’t deny it any longer, how easy it is to get lost in the moment with him. To forget about our

differences, about the hurt of the past, and simply revel in the now. The pull is magnetic, almost primal,

and it scares me just how much I’m drawn to him.

to Abby,” Karl’s voice interrupts

my head slightly, I chuckle.

about how wonderful my culinary skills are?”

like thinking about how

the meal, we continue our back and forth, and it’s so… effortless. The

the shared glances. With every word, every gesture, Karl’s

forget about the

echo in my mind—about how Karl used to

how all of it

transformation from this sweet boyfriend to a more aloof husband. The

clench in trepidation. This could all be an act. A way to get me

I just want to push those thoughts aside. Tonight, I want

want to drown in this gentle current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight, I

with the man she once

the table, locking eyes with him. “Thank you, Karl,”

smiles, a genuine, warm smile. “Always,

I clear away the plates, placing them in the dishwasher.

on the countertop,

pen in my fingers, “time

a beat, Karl starts listing off ingredients.

more of that s

down each item. I watch in

peeking into containers, and

out.

whirlwind,” I comment, half

at me from across the room.

some point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look into a nearby cabinet.

sheen of

me, especially after a long day, is touching. Maybe it softens me a

setting down

pace. His closeness sends a tiny

out, wiping the

a trooper tonight,” I tell him softly. “Thank

silence between us, punctuated only by our slightly uneven breaths.

Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps

mix together, husky and

you want me,” he murmurs. “I

him. Ever since I had that w et

that I made a promise to myself and

the dim light of the kitchen, with a sheen

his sleeves pushed up to reveal his sinewy forearms, for me to push him

us has to speak. Before I know it, our lips are locked in an

spices. A soft moan echoes between us as his tongue works

ways

To be touched, wanted, loved. I haven’t felt

“Abby…”