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

my head slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry.

my culinary skills are?” he

like thinking about how to recreate

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

With every word, every gesture,

forget about the man he’s supposedly

words echo in my mind—about how Karl used

soul, and how all of it changed after the

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

be an act. A way to

those thoughts aside. Tonight, I

to drown in this gentle current of nostalgia

with the man

across the table, locking eyes with him. “Thank you,

warm smile. “Always,

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

on the countertop, pulling

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

listing off ingredients.

that s

down each item. I watch in amusement as

containers, and being utterly

out.

whirlwind,” I

winks at me from across the room. “Efficiency, Abby.

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

notice the sheen of sweat

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

beckon him closer, setting down the notepad for a

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

reach out, wiping the

such a trooper tonight,” I tell him softly.

between us, punctuated only by our slightly

him, Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself around my waist, pulling me

mix together, husky

me,” he murmurs. “I know you want

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

promise to

too hot in the dim light of the kitchen, with a sheen of

reveal his sinewy forearms, for me to push him

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

echoes between us as his tongue works its way

me in ways that Adam never

this. To be touched, wanted, loved.

“Abby…”