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

I chuckle. “Sorry.

how wonderful my culinary skills are?” he teases, raising

I reply, “More like thinking about how to recreate this

forth, and

gesture,

about the man he’s

Chloe’s words echo in my mind—about

and how all of it

sweet boyfriend to a

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

those thoughts aside. Tonight, I want to believe in

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

with the

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

warm smile. “Always,

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

the countertop, pulling my notepad

I begin, twirling the pen in my fingers, “time to finalize our order. Let’s

off ingredients. “We need

more of that

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

checking shelves, peeking into containers, and being

out.

whirlwind,” I comment,

room. “Efficiency, Abby. I learned from the

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

I notice the sheen of sweat

help me, especially after a long day,

beckon him closer, setting

with a slow, measured pace.

reach out, wiping the sweat away

been such a trooper tonight,” I tell

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

shoots out. His arm wraps itself around my waist, pulling me

mix together, husky

know you want me,” he murmurs. “I

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

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

too hot in the dim

to reveal his

our lips are locked in an intense kiss.

soft moan echoes between us as

ways

wanted, loved.

“Abby…”