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,

my head slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry.

culinary skills are?” he teases, raising an

reply, “More like thinking about how to recreate this

and forth, and it’s so…

word, every gesture, Karl’s being so

the

Chloe’s words echo in my mind—about how

loving soul, and how all of it changed after the

sweet boyfriend to a more aloof husband. The haunting thought makes

This could all be an act. A way to

want to push those thoughts aside. Tonight, I want to believe in this version

current of nostalgia and comfort.

and joking with the

him.

a genuine, warm smile. “Always, Abby.

we finish the meal, I clear away the plates,

on the countertop, pulling my

fingers, “time to

Karl starts listing off ingredients.

more of that

quickly, noting down each item. I watch in amusement

into containers, and

out.

a whirlwind,” I comment, half

across the room.

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

sheen

dedication to help me, especially after a long day, is touching.

closer, setting down the notepad for

pace.

out, wiping the sweat away with the back

a trooper tonight,”

silence between us, punctuated only by our

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

breaths mix together, husky and

you want me,” he murmurs.

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

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

with him, I can’t help it. He looks too hot in the dim light of the kitchen, with

sleeves pushed up to reveal his sinewy forearms,

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

like wine and spices. A soft moan echoes between us as his tongue works its

me in ways

be touched, wanted, loved. I

“Abby…”