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

my head slightly, I chuckle. “Sorry. Lost

how wonderful my culinary skills are?”

reply, “More like thinking about how

meal, we continue our back and forth, and it’s so… effortless.

gesture, Karl’s being so

forget about the

echo in my mind—about how Karl used to

and loving soul, and how all

to a more aloof husband. The haunting

could all be

just want to push those thoughts aside. Tonight, I want

nostalgia

laughing and joking with the man

eyes with him.

a genuine, warm

the plates, placing them in the dishwasher.

countertop, pulling my

begin, twirling the pen in my fingers, “time to

off

tomatoes… more of that s picy

watch in amusement as he scuttles

and being utterly relentless

out.

whirlwind,”

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

some point, Karl comes closer, presumably to look

I notice the sheen of sweat

long day, is touching. Maybe it softens

closer, setting down the

a slow, measured pace.

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

trooper tonight,” I tell him

only by our slightly uneven breaths. But

him, Karl’s hand shoots out. His arm wraps itself around

mix together, husky and

me,” he murmurs. “I know

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

I made a promise to myself and to my friends that I

I can’t help it. He looks too hot in the dim light of the kitchen, with a sheen of sweat

reveal his sinewy forearms, for me to

know it, our lips are

spices. A soft moan echoes between

in ways that Adam never

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

“Abby…”