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 my reverie,

head slightly, I chuckle.

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

thinking about how to recreate this

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

every gesture, Karl’s being so sweet, so genuine,

about the man

progresses, Chloe’s words echo in my

soul, and how all of it

from this sweet boyfriend to a more aloof husband. The

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

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

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

with the man

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

a genuine, warm smile.

plates, placing them in the dishwasher. Jumping up,

countertop,

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

starts listing off ingredients. “We need rosemary, thyme, some

more of that s

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

checking shelves, peeking into containers, and being utterly relentless in ensuring

out.

whirlwind,”

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

grows, and at some point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look into a nearby cabinet.

the sheen of sweat on

help me, especially after a long day, is

him closer, setting

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

spine. Without a word, I reach out, wiping the sweat away with the back of

a trooper tonight,” I

silence between us, punctuated only by our slightly uneven

hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself around

together, husky and

he murmurs. “I know you want

wrong. I do want him. Ever since I had that w et drea m about him, I haven’t quite

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

in the dim light

sleeves pushed up to reveal his sinewy forearms, for

Before I know it, our lips are

echoes between us as his tongue works its way into my

me in ways

touched, wanted, loved.

“Abby…”