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

slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry. Lost

skills are?” he

“More like thinking about how to

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

every gesture, Karl’s being so sweet,

about the man he’s supposedly

echo in my mind—about how Karl used to

loving soul, and how all of it changed

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

trepidation. This could all be an act. A way to get

tonight, I just want to push those thoughts aside.

nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight, I wish

joking with the man she

the table, locking eyes with him. “Thank

genuine, warm

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

on the countertop, pulling my notepad

my fingers, “time to finalize our order. Let’s

off ingredients. “We need rosemary, thyme, some

more of that s picy

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

peeking into containers, and being utterly relentless in

out.

like a whirlwind,”

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

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

sheen of sweat on his

especially after a long day, is

closer, setting down

pace. His

out, wiping the sweat

been such a trooper tonight,” I tell

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

shoots out. His arm wraps

mix together, husky

you want me,” he murmurs. “I

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

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

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

to reveal his sinewy forearms, for

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

spices. A soft moan echoes between us as his

ways that

be touched, wanted,

“Abby…”