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.

to Abby,” Karl’s voice interrupts

head slightly, I

how wonderful my culinary skills are?” he teases, raising an

thinking about how

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

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

about the man

Chloe’s words echo in my mind—about how Karl used to

all of it

boyfriend to a more aloof husband. The

This could all be an act. A way to get

those thoughts aside.

I want to drown in this gentle current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight, I

and joking with the man

him.

a genuine, warm smile. “Always, Abby.

the meal, I clear away the plates,

the countertop, pulling my

fingers, “time

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

of that s picy olive

down each item. I watch in amusement as he scuttles from one

containers, and being utterly relentless in

out.

whirlwind,” I comment,

room. “Efficiency, Abby. I learned from the

some point, Karl comes

sheen of sweat on his

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

beckon him closer, setting

measured pace. His closeness sends

out, wiping the sweat away with the back of my

trooper tonight,” I

punctuated only by our

Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps

together,

want me,” he murmurs. “I know you want

want him. Ever since I had that w et drea m about him,

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

He looks too hot in the dim light of the kitchen,

his sinewy forearms, for

our

echoes between us

ways that Adam never

needed this. To be touched, wanted, loved. I haven’t

“Abby…”