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 reverie, accompanied

my head slightly, I

skills are?” he teases, raising

“More like thinking about how to recreate this

continue our back and forth, and it’s

every gesture, Karl’s being so sweet, so genuine,

the

Chloe’s words echo in my mind—about how Karl used to be

and how all of

from this sweet boyfriend to a

could all be an

those thoughts aside. Tonight, I want

want to drown in this gentle current of nostalgia and comfort.

joking with the man she once

with him. “Thank you, Karl,” I say

a genuine, warm

meal, I clear away the plates, placing them in the dishwasher. Jumping up, I

countertop,

my fingers, “time to

beat, Karl starts listing off ingredients.

tomatoes… more of that s picy olive

item. I watch in amusement as he scuttles from

and being utterly relentless in ensuring

out.

whirlwind,”

room. “Efficiency, Abby. I

point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look into a nearby

notice the sheen of sweat on

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

closer, setting down the

measured pace. His closeness sends a

word, I reach out, wiping the sweat away with the back of

such a trooper tonight,” I tell him

between us, punctuated only

His arm wraps itself around my waist, pulling me

breaths mix together, husky

murmurs. “I know you want me,

want him. Ever since I had that w et drea m about him, I

my mind. I know that I made a promise to myself and to my

looks too hot in the dim light of the kitchen, with a

up to reveal his sinewy

has to speak. Before I know it, our lips are locked in an intense kiss. He

and spices. A soft moan echoes between us as his tongue works its way into

me in ways that Adam never

needed this. To be touched, wanted, loved. I

“Abby…”