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.

voice interrupts my reverie, accompanied by

my head slightly, I

how wonderful my culinary skills are?” he teases,

I reply, “More like thinking about

and forth, and it’s so… effortless. The laughter,

every gesture, Karl’s being so sweet,

the man he’s supposedly

the evening progresses, Chloe’s words echo in my mind—about

and how all of it

boyfriend to a

could all be

to push those thoughts aside. Tonight, I want

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

girl again, laughing and joking with the man she once loved

with him. “Thank you, Karl,” I

a genuine, warm smile.

we finish the meal, I clear away the plates, placing them in the dishwasher.

the countertop,

pen in my fingers, “time to

beat, Karl starts listing off ingredients. “We

of that

quickly, noting down each item. I watch in amusement as

and being utterly relentless in ensuring nothing’s

out.

whirlwind,” I

across the room. “Efficiency,

point, Karl comes closer, presumably to

I notice the sheen of

to help me, especially after a long day, is

closer, setting down

approaching with a slow, measured pace. His closeness

Without a word, I reach out, wiping the sweat away

trooper tonight,”

momentary silence between us, punctuated only by our

Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself around my

together, husky and

want me,” he murmurs. “I

I had that w

a promise to myself and

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

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

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

moan echoes between us as his tongue works

ways that Adam never

touched, wanted, loved.

“Abby…”