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.

interrupts my reverie,

slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry. Lost in

about how wonderful my culinary skills are?” he

“More like thinking

our back and forth, and it’s so…

shared glances. With every word, every gesture, Karl’s being so

forget about the man he’s

evening progresses, Chloe’s words echo in my

how all of

boyfriend to a more

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 to believe in this version

current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight,

again, laughing and joking with

him.

a genuine, warm smile. “Always,

meal, I clear away the plates, placing them in the

countertop, pulling my

in my fingers, “time to finalize

a beat, Karl starts listing off ingredients. “We need rosemary, thyme,

of that s picy olive

item. I watch in amusement as he scuttles from one corner to

and being utterly relentless

out.

like a whirlwind,” I

the room. “Efficiency, Abby.

at some point, Karl comes

notice the sheen of sweat

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

beckon him closer, setting

with a slow, measured pace.

I reach out, wiping the

such a trooper tonight,” I tell him softly.

punctuated only by our slightly uneven

hand shoots out. His arm

mix together, husky

want me,” he murmurs. “I

I had that w et drea m about him, I haven’t

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

in the dim light

pushed up to reveal his

our lips are locked in an intense

like wine and spices. A soft moan echoes between us as

ways

To be touched, wanted, loved.

“Abby…”