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.

Karl’s voice interrupts my

head slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry. Lost

wonderful my culinary skills are?”

like thinking about how to recreate

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

With every word, every gesture,

about the man

in my mind—about

and how all of it changed after

a more aloof

could all be

to push those thoughts aside.

nostalgia and

again, laughing and joking with the man she

table, locking eyes with him. “Thank you, Karl,” I

warm smile. “Always,

clear away the plates,

the countertop,

I begin, twirling the pen in my fingers, “time to finalize our

off

of that

watch in

checking shelves, peeking into containers, and being utterly

out.

a whirlwind,” I

at me from across the room. “Efficiency, Abby. I learned

point, Karl comes closer, presumably

sheen of sweat on

after a long day, is touching. Maybe it

him closer, setting down the

a slow, measured pace. His closeness

reach out, wiping

a trooper tonight,” I

momentary silence between us, punctuated only

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

mix together, husky and

know you want me,” he murmurs. “I

that w

I made a promise to myself and

too hot in the dim light

and his sleeves pushed up to reveal his sinewy forearms,

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

and spices. A soft moan echoes between us

in ways that

be touched, wanted, loved. I haven’t felt

“Abby…”