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

head slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry.

wonderful my culinary skills are?”

like thinking about

back and forth, and

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

about the man

in my mind—about how Karl used to be

all of it changed after the

boyfriend to a

could all be an act. A

thoughts aside. Tonight, I want to

of nostalgia and comfort.

laughing and joking with the man she once

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

smiles, a genuine, warm smile. “Always,

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

countertop, pulling my notepad

twirling the pen in my fingers, “time to finalize

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

more of that s

in amusement as he scuttles from one corner to

containers, and being utterly relentless in ensuring

out.

whirlwind,” I comment,

the room. “Efficiency, Abby. I learned from the

some point, Karl comes

notice the sheen of sweat

a long day, is touching. Maybe

beckon him closer, setting down the

a slow, measured pace.

a word, I reach out, wiping the

trooper tonight,” I tell him softly. “Thank

only by

shoots out. His arm

together, husky

he murmurs. “I know you want me,

him. Ever since I had that w et drea

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

can’t help it. He looks too hot in the dim

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

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

echoes between us as his tongue works

in ways that Adam never

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

“Abby…”