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.

Abby,” Karl’s voice interrupts

head slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry. Lost in

skills are?” he teases,

I reply, “More like thinking about how to

and forth,

gesture, Karl’s being so sweet,

the man

evening progresses, Chloe’s words echo in my mind—about how Karl

how all

sweet boyfriend to a more aloof

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

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

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

again, laughing and joking with

with him. “Thank you, Karl,” I

warm smile. “Always,

away the plates,

on the countertop, pulling my notepad

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

Karl starts listing off ingredients. “We need rosemary,

that s picy olive

each item. I watch in amusement as he scuttles from

checking shelves, peeking into containers, and being utterly

out.

whirlwind,” I comment, half

room. “Efficiency, Abby. I learned from

comes closer, presumably to

notice the sheen of

a long day, is touching. Maybe it softens me a

beckon him closer, setting down

with a slow, measured pace. His closeness sends a

my spine. Without a word, I reach out, wiping the sweat

tonight,” I tell

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

shoots out. His arm wraps itself around my

breaths mix together, husky

want me,” he murmurs.

that w et drea

made a promise to myself and to my friends that I would never

the dim

sleeves pushed up to reveal his sinewy forearms, for me

our lips are locked in

like wine and spices. A soft moan echoes between us as his tongue works its

in ways that

this. To be touched, wanted, loved. I haven’t felt this in

“Abby…”