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

up my sleeves. “I’ll clean this up, Ethan.

anger simmering down to annoyance. “Just… be more careful, Abby. This isn’t

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

literal one in the kitchen and the tangled one in

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

To Karl.

I clean, every dish I wash, feels like an echo of his presence. The way he

the touch of

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

happened. I shouldn’t be

erase not just

confusion. The longing. The

in my thoughts, cleaning up my mess in more ways than one. By

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

sort out my emotions.

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

feelings raw. But this is

I push away from the counter, reminding myself

the promises I made to

I need to focus on the present, not get

…

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

the restaurant’s monthly earnings. There’s a particular rhythm to the mornings here, where

hum of activity outside my office gently soothes my usually

knock, crisp and

call out, expecting to see Ethan or

a tall, commanding figure that I don’t

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

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

restaurant?”

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

smiles. “I’m

his offered hand, slightly taken aback by the unexpected

don’t believe we had an appointment. How can

the Alpha Gathering Committee. I understand this

but your restaurant has garnered quite the

gathering. It’s where deals are struck

meals and fine

go on that date with Karl,

a representative from the committee would be

modest office.

tone steady, “Among countless establishments in this city, yours stands

are among the four finalists we’re considering to cater