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.

to Abby,” Karl’s voice interrupts my reverie, accompanied by

head slightly, I

skills

thinking about how to

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

With every word, every gesture, Karl’s being so

about the man

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

how all of it changed after

this sweet boyfriend to a more

This could all be

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

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

laughing and joking with the man

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

warm smile.

I clear away the plates, placing

on the countertop,

fingers, “time to finalize our

a beat, Karl starts listing off ingredients. “We need rosemary, thyme,

tomatoes… more of that s

watch in amusement

and being utterly relentless in

out.

a whirlwind,” I comment,

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

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

I notice the sheen of sweat

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

I beckon him closer, setting down the notepad for

pace. His

reach out, wiping

been such a trooper tonight,”

momentary silence between us, punctuated only

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

together,

want me,” he murmurs. “I know

do want him. Ever since I had that w et drea m about him, I

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

in the dim light of the kitchen, with

sleeves pushed up to reveal his sinewy forearms, for me

I know it, our lips are

between us as his tongue works its way into my

ways that Adam

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

“Abby…”