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 my reverie,

slightly, I

my culinary skills are?” he teases, raising

like thinking about how

we continue our back and forth, and it’s so… effortless. The laughter, the

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

the

in my mind—about how Karl used to

soul, and how all

to a

This could all be an act.

those thoughts aside. Tonight, I want

current of nostalgia and comfort. Just for tonight, I

girl again, laughing and joking with

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

smiles, a genuine, warm smile. “Always,

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

countertop, pulling my

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

beat, Karl starts listing off ingredients. “We

tomatoes… more of that

I watch in amusement as he scuttles from

into containers, and being utterly relentless

out.

a whirlwind,” I

across the room. “Efficiency, Abby. I learned

comes closer, presumably

the sheen

long day, is touching.

beckon him closer, setting down the notepad

approaching with a slow, measured pace. His

my spine. Without a word, I reach out, wiping the sweat away with the

trooper tonight,” I tell him softly.

between us, punctuated only

shoots out. His arm wraps itself

breaths mix together, husky and

want me,” he murmurs. “I know you want

since I had that w et drea m about him, I haven’t quite

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

in the

up to reveal his sinewy forearms,

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

wine and spices. A soft moan echoes between us as his tongue

me in ways that Adam

needed this. To be touched, wanted,

“Abby…”