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.

voice interrupts my

I chuckle. “Sorry. Lost

wonderful my culinary skills

reply, “More like thinking

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

gesture, Karl’s being so

forget about the man he’s

evening progresses, Chloe’s words echo in

and how all of it changed after the

boyfriend to a more aloof husband. The haunting

clench in trepidation. This could all be an act. A way to

thoughts aside. Tonight,

want to drown in this gentle current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight, I wish to

laughing and joking with the man she once

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

a genuine, warm smile. “Always,

I clear away the plates, placing them

on the countertop, pulling

pen in my fingers, “time to

listing off

more of that s

each item. I watch in

shelves, peeking into containers, and being utterly relentless in ensuring nothing’s

out.

like a whirlwind,”

the room. “Efficiency,

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

the sheen of sweat on his

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

closer, setting

slow, measured pace. His closeness

word, I reach out, wiping the

been such a trooper tonight,”

silence between us, punctuated only by our slightly uneven

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

mix together,

know you want me,” he murmurs. “I know you want

do want him. Ever since I had that w

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

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

his sinewy forearms,

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

echoes between us as

ways that

wanted, loved. I haven’t

“Abby…”