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

breath, I roll up my sleeves. “I’ll clean this up,

down to annoyance. “Just… be

idea, I think grimly. But all I say is,

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

my mind

To Karl.

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

laughter, the touch of

Last night was a mistake. An indiscretion borne out of

I shouldn’t be thinking about him

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

The

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

done, the kitchen is spotless—gleaming counters and organized

sort out my emotions.

same one where Karl and I shared that moment, and close

is neither the time

push away from the counter, reminding myself

restaurant, and the

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

…

through the half-drawn blinds, casting soft golden beams onto my desk

particular rhythm to the mornings here, where

office gently soothes

there’s a knock, crisp and

in,” I call out, expecting to see

a tall, commanding figure

air of unquestionable authority, the stranger’s steel

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

restaurant?”

I wasn’t expecting any health inspectors today.

smiles. “I’m Calvin

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

had an appointment. How can I help

preamble, he begins, “I represent the Alpha Gathering Committee.

but your restaurant

all about the Alpha gathering. It’s where

and fine

go on that date with Karl,

why a representative from the committee would

modest office.

establishments in this city, yours stands out.

you are among the four finalists we’re