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.

interrupts

slightly, I chuckle.

skills are?” he teases, raising

thinking about

meal, we continue our back and forth, and

shared glances. With every word, every gesture, Karl’s being so sweet, so

the man he’s

words echo in my mind—about how Karl

soul, and how all of it changed after the

to a more aloof husband. The

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

want to push those thoughts aside.

nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight, I

again, laughing and joking with the man she once

the table, locking eyes with him.

a genuine, warm

clear away the plates, placing them in the dishwasher. Jumping

countertop, pulling my notepad

my fingers, “time to finalize our order.

Karl starts listing off ingredients. “We need

more of that s

down each item. I watch in amusement as

into containers, and being

out.

like a whirlwind,” I

me from across the room.

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

I notice the sheen of sweat on his

especially after a long

him closer, setting down

slow, measured pace. His closeness sends a tiny jolt of

reach out, wiping the sweat away with the

been such a trooper tonight,” I tell

momentary silence between us, punctuated only by

hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself around my

mix together,

murmurs. “I know you want me,

that w et drea m

my mind. I know that I made a promise to

help it. He looks too hot in the

sleeves pushed up to reveal his sinewy

I know it, our lips are locked in an intense

like wine and spices. A soft moan echoes between us

me in ways that

be touched, wanted, loved. I

“Abby…”