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

Karl and I… No. I shake my head m entally. Now’s not the

my sleeves. “I’ll clean this up,

his anger simmering down to annoyance. “Just… be more

think grimly. But all I

mess—both the literal one in

my mind can’t help but drift back

To Karl.

spot I clean, every dish I wash, feels like an echo

laughter, the touch

need to stop this. Last night was a mistake. An indiscretion borne out of nostalgia

happened. I shouldn’t be thinking about him

to erase not just the stains of food but the remnants

confusion. The longing.

my thoughts, cleaning up my mess in

done, the kitchen is spotless—gleaming counters and organized tools. I wish it was as

sort out my emotions.

counter, the same one where Karl and I shared that

But this is neither the time nor the place to

sigh, I push away from the counter, reminding myself of my responsibilities, the

the restaurant, and the promises I made to

focus on the present,

…

half-drawn blinds, casting soft golden beams

a particular rhythm to the

outside my office gently soothes

a knock,

call out, expecting to see Ethan or

door swings open to reveal a tall, commanding figure that I

sharp charcoal suit, with an air of unquestionable

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

restaurant?”

expecting any health inspectors

man smiles.

him, I shake his offered hand, slightly taken aback by the unexpected

we had an appointment. How can I

“I represent the Alpha Gathering Committee. I understand

as a surprise, but your restaurant has

know all about the Alpha gathering. It’s where deals are struck and

and

it’s where I promised to go on that date with Karl, since

representative from

modest office.

steady, “Among countless establishments in

four finalists we’re