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. Lost in

skills are?” he teases, raising

like thinking

our back and forth, and it’s

every gesture, Karl’s being

about the man he’s supposedly

in my mind—about how Karl used to

soul, and how all of

transformation from this sweet boyfriend to a more aloof husband. The

be an act. A way to get me

aside.

in this gentle current of nostalgia and comfort. Just

laughing and joking with the man

table, locking eyes with him. “Thank

a genuine, warm smile.

the meal, I clear away the plates,

countertop, pulling my notepad

the pen in my fingers, “time

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

tomatoes… more of that

each item. I watch in

checking shelves, peeking into containers, and

out.

like a whirlwind,” I comment,

at me from across the room. “Efficiency,

comes closer, presumably to

the sheen of sweat on

a long day, is touching. Maybe it

setting down the notepad for a

measured pace. His

word, I reach out, wiping the sweat away with the back of

a trooper tonight,” I

punctuated only by our slightly uneven breaths.

His arm wraps itself around my waist,

breaths mix together,

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

wrong. I do want him. Ever since I had that w et

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

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

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

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

spices. A soft moan echoes between us as

ways that Adam never

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

“Abby…”