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.

Karl’s voice interrupts my reverie,

slightly, I chuckle.

about how wonderful my culinary skills are?” he teases,

“More like thinking about how

back and forth, and it’s so… effortless.

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

the

in my

loving soul, and how all of it changed after

to a more aloof husband. The

all be an act. A way to get

aside.

current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight, I wish to

again, laughing and joking with the man she once

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

a genuine, warm smile.

meal, I clear away the plates,

countertop,

the pen in my fingers, “time to finalize

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

that s picy

quickly, noting down each item. I watch in amusement as he scuttles from one corner

and

out.

a whirlwind,”

me from across the room. “Efficiency,

point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look into

notice the sheen of sweat on

dedication to help me, especially after a long day,

setting down the notepad

measured pace. His closeness sends

word, I reach out, wiping the sweat

such a trooper tonight,” I tell him softly.

only by our

him, Karl’s hand shoots out. His

mix together, husky

murmurs. “I know you

wrong. I do want him. Ever since I had that w et drea m about him, I haven’t quite

know that I made a promise to myself and to

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

reveal his sinewy forearms, for me

Before I know it, our

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

me in ways that

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

“Abby…”