Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 53: A Mess To Clean
Abby

The sun’s barely peeking over the h o rizon as I pull open the door to the restaurant.

I can already feel the hustle of a new day, the potential for a fresh start. Walking in, I expect the familiar

comfort of an empty space, but I’m met instead with Ethan’s brooding form. His jaw is set tight, his

brow furrowed.

He doesn’t look up as I approach.

“Morning,” I greet cautiously, sensing the tension in the air.

He sighs heavily. “Abby… What the hell happened here last night?”

Confused, I follow his gaze. The kitchen. Oh no. My heart ski ps a beat as memories of last night flood

back. The cooking. The laughter. The… moment with Karl.

“What do you mean?” I manage to ask, feigning ignorance.

Ethan’s eyes fix on me, and I can see his irritation. “I’ll show you.” Without waiting for a reply, he leads

me into the disaster zone that is the kitchen.

Every counter is smeared with remnants of our late-night feast. Pots and pans are sc at tered

everywhere, some still containing leftover food. The sight makes my stomach churn with guilt. How

could I have been so careless?

I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. “I… I was working late last night. Got hungry and…” I trail off, trying to

find a good excuse, but words fail me.

Ethan just raises an eyebrow, his expression demanding more.

“And… I forgot to clean up,” I finish lamely, avoiding his gaze.

A beat of silence. Then, “Forgot?” His tone is sharp, filled with disbelief.

My mind races. If he even catches a hint of what transpired with Karl, rumors would spread like wildfire,

jeopardizing not only my reputation but potentially the restaurant’s as well.

“I was exhausted,” I murmur.

His eyes scan the kitchen, lingering on a particular spot on the counter, and my heart races. That’s

I shake my

my sleeves. “I’ll clean this up,

“Just… be more careful, Abby. This

I think grimly. But all I say is, “I promise.”

away, I’m left with the mess—both the literal one in the kitchen and the tangled one

I scrub the counters, my mind can’t help but drift back

To Karl.

I wash, feels like an echo of

the touch of his

was a mistake. An indiscretion borne out of nostalgia

happened. I shouldn’t be thinking

I try to erase not just the stains of food but the remnants

confusion. The longing.

seem to pass as I’m lost in my thoughts, cleaning up my mess in more ways than one.

I’m done, the kitchen is spotless—gleaming counters and organized tools. I

sort out my emotions.

against the counter, the same one where Karl and I shared that moment, and close

feelings raw. But this is neither the

away from the counter, reminding

the promises I made

a new day, and I need to focus on the present, not get lost in

…

casting soft golden

a particular rhythm to the mornings here,

outside my office gently soothes my usually anxious

a knock,

call out, expecting to see Ethan or even

the door swings open to reveal a tall, commanding figure

a sharp charcoal suit, with an air of

extends a hand, introducing himself. “You’re Abby, correct?” he asks. “The owner

restaurant?”

nod, furrowing my brow. I wasn’t expecting any health inspectors today.

smiles. “I’m

to greet him, I shake his offered hand, slightly taken aback by the unexpected visit.

an

preamble, he begins, “I represent the

as a surprise, but your restaurant

gathering. It’s where deals are struck and alliances

and

on that date with

representative from the committee

modest office.

his tone steady, “Among countless establishments

you are among the four finalists we’re considering to cater for