#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, accompanied by a

head slightly, I

how wonderful my culinary skills are?” he

reply, “More like thinking

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

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

forget about the man

in my mind—about how

soul, and how all

a

This could all be an act. A way to

thoughts aside. Tonight,

this gentle current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for

again, laughing and joking with the man she once loved

the table, locking eyes with him. “Thank you,

warm smile. “Always, Abby.

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

the countertop, pulling my notepad

twirling the pen in my fingers, “time

missing a beat, Karl starts listing off ingredients. “We

of that s

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

checking shelves, peeking into containers, and being utterly relentless in ensuring

out.

a whirlwind,” I comment,

room. “Efficiency, Abby. I learned from the

and at some point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look into

notice the sheen of

help me, especially after a long day,

I beckon him closer, setting down

a slow, measured pace. His closeness

spine. Without a word, I reach out, wiping

tonight,”

silence between us, punctuated only by our slightly uneven breaths. But

him, Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps

breaths mix together, husky and

you want me,” he murmurs. “I

I do want him. Ever since I had that w et

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

hot in the

up to reveal his sinewy forearms,

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

A soft moan echoes between us as his

in ways that

this. To be touched, wanted,

“Abby…”

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255