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

slightly, I

culinary skills are?” he teases,

thinking about how to

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

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

about the

as the evening progresses, Chloe’s words echo in my mind—about how Karl used to be this

and loving soul, and how all of it changed after

to a more aloof husband. The haunting

all be an act. A way to get

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

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

girl again, laughing and joking with the man she once

locking eyes with him. “Thank you, Karl,” I say softly,

warm smile. “Always,

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

on the countertop, pulling my notepad

begin, twirling the pen in my fingers, “time to finalize our order.

a beat, Karl starts listing off ingredients. “We

tomatoes… more of that s

item. I watch in amusement as

containers, and being utterly relentless

out.

whirlwind,” I

from across the room. “Efficiency,

some point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look into a nearby

sheen of sweat

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

setting down the notepad for a

slow, measured pace. His

reach out, wiping

been such a trooper tonight,”

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

him, Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself

breaths mix together, husky

he murmurs. “I know you

had that w et drea m about

promise to myself and to my

it. He looks too hot in the dim light of the kitchen, with a

sleeves pushed up to reveal his sinewy forearms, for me to

know it, our lips are locked in an intense kiss. He tastes

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

me in ways that

touched, wanted, loved. I haven’t felt

“Abby…”