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.

Abby,” Karl’s voice interrupts my reverie, accompanied

I chuckle. “Sorry.

skills are?”

like thinking about how to

our back and forth,

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

about the man

words echo in my mind—about how Karl used to be this

loving soul, and how all of it changed after

boyfriend to a

be an act. A way to

aside. Tonight, I want to believe in this version

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

with the man she once loved

look across the table, locking eyes with him. “Thank you, Karl,” I say softly, “for

warm

the meal, I clear away the plates, placing

the countertop,

the pen in my fingers, “time to finalize our order. Let’s

listing off ingredients. “We need rosemary,

tomatoes… more of that

noting down each item. I watch in amusement as he

containers, and being utterly relentless in ensuring nothing’s

out.

like a whirlwind,” I comment, half

room. “Efficiency,

comes closer, presumably

the sheen of sweat

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

closer, setting down the notepad for

complies, approaching with a slow, measured pace. His closeness sends a tiny jolt

out, wiping the

trooper tonight,” I

us, punctuated only by our

I can stop him, Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself around my waist, pulling me

breaths mix together, husky

me,” he murmurs.

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

that I made a promise to myself and to my friends that I would never

hot in the dim light of

up to reveal his sinewy

us has to speak. Before I know it, our

moan echoes between us as

in ways

be touched, wanted,

“Abby…”