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 head m entally. Now’s not

I roll up my sleeves. “I’ll clean

his anger simmering down to annoyance. “Just… be more careful, Abby. This

But all I say is, “I

with the mess—both the literal one in the kitchen and the tangled one

mind can’t help but drift back to last

To Karl.

dish I wash, feels like an echo of his presence. The

the

this. Last night was a mistake. An indiscretion borne out of

I shouldn’t be thinking about

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

confusion. The

in my thoughts, cleaning up my mess in more ways

is spotless—gleaming counters and organized

sort out my emotions.

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

But this is neither the time nor the place to deal

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

restaurant, and the promises I made to

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

…

casting soft golden beams

particular rhythm to the

hum of activity outside my office gently soothes my usually anxious

knock, crisp

in,” I call out, expecting

door swings open to reveal a tall, commanding figure that

in a sharp charcoal suit, with an air of unquestionable authority,

a hand, introducing himself. “You’re

restaurant?”

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

man smiles. “I’m

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

don’t believe we had an appointment. How

he begins, “I represent the Alpha Gathering Committee. I understand this

surprise, but your

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

and fine

to go on that date with Karl, since I lost

representative

modest office.

his tone steady, “Among countless establishments in

you are among the four finalists we’re considering