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 my reverie, accompanied

my head slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry.

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

I reply, “More like thinking about how to

continue our back and forth, and it’s

every gesture,

about the man

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

and how all of it

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

clench in trepidation. This could all be an

I just want to push those thoughts aside. Tonight, I

this gentle current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight,

laughing and joking with the man

eyes with him. “Thank you, Karl,” I say softly, “for

warm smile. “Always,

the plates, placing them in the dishwasher.

on the countertop, pulling

fingers, “time to

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

of that s picy

quickly, noting down each item. I watch in amusement as he scuttles from one corner to

and being utterly relentless in ensuring nothing’s

out.

a whirlwind,”

from across the room. “Efficiency, Abby. I

Karl comes closer, presumably to look into a nearby

notice the sheen of sweat on

a long day, is touching. Maybe it

setting down the

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

wiping the sweat away

a trooper tonight,” I tell him softly. “Thank

between us, punctuated only by our slightly uneven breaths.

hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself around

mix together, husky and

he murmurs. “I know

not wrong. I do want him. Ever since I had that w et drea m about him, I

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

hot in the dim light of

pushed up to reveal his sinewy forearms, for me to

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

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

ways that Adam never

wanted, loved. I haven’t felt

“Abby…”