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.

Karl’s voice interrupts my reverie, accompanied

I chuckle. “Sorry. Lost

wonderful my culinary skills are?” he teases, raising

like thinking

forth, and it’s so… effortless. The laughter,

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

about the man he’s

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

how all of it changed after the

boyfriend to a more aloof

all be an act. A way to get me

to push those thoughts aside. Tonight, I want to

this gentle current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for

girl again, laughing and joking with the

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

warm smile. “Always,

away the plates, placing them in

countertop, pulling

my fingers, “time to

starts listing off ingredients. “We

of that s picy

scribble quickly, noting down each item. I watch in amusement as he scuttles from

into containers, and being utterly relentless

out.

a whirlwind,” I comment, half

from across the room. “Efficiency, Abby.

list grows, and at some point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look

sheen of sweat on his

a long day, is touching.

I beckon him closer, setting down the notepad for a

pace. His closeness

I reach out, wiping the sweat away with

been such a trooper tonight,” I

only

I can stop him, Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself around my waist,

together,

you want me,” he murmurs.

Ever since I had that w et drea m

out of my mind. I know that I made a promise to myself and to my friends that I would never

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

reveal his sinewy forearms, for me to push him

to speak. Before I know it, our lips are locked in an intense kiss. He tastes sweet

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

ways that Adam

be touched, wanted, loved. I haven’t felt

“Abby…”