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

shake my head m entally. Now’s not the

up my sleeves. “I’ll clean this

“Just… be more

think grimly. But all I say

left with the mess—both the literal one

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

To Karl.

like an echo of his presence. The way he smiled, the

laughter, the touch of

stop this. Last night was a mistake. An indiscretion borne

I shouldn’t be thinking about him

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

confusion. The

seem to pass as I’m lost in my thoughts, cleaning up my

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

sort out my emotions.

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

the feelings raw. But this is neither the

a deep sigh, I push away from the counter, reminding

the promises I made to

focus on the present, not get

…

through the half-drawn blinds, casting soft golden

restaurant’s monthly earnings. There’s a particular rhythm to the

my office gently soothes my usually

there’s a knock, crisp and

expecting to see Ethan or

reveal a tall, commanding figure

sharp charcoal suit, with an air of unquestionable authority, the stranger’s

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

restaurant?”

nod, furrowing my brow. I wasn’t expecting any health inspectors today. “Yes,” I reply

smiles. “I’m

his offered hand, slightly taken aback by

don’t believe we had an appointment. How can I help

represent the Alpha Gathering Committee.

your restaurant

It’s where

and fine

on that date

races, trying to grasp why a representative from the committee would be standing in

modest office.

steady, “Among countless establishments

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