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

roll up my

to annoyance. “Just… be more careful, Abby. This isn’t like

have no idea, I think grimly. But all

the mess—both the literal one

As I scrub the counters, my mind can’t

To Karl.

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

the touch

need to stop this. Last night was a mistake.

happened. I shouldn’t

to erase not just the

The longing.

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

kitchen is spotless—gleaming counters and organized tools. I wish it

sort out my emotions.

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

But this is neither the

sigh, I push away from the counter, reminding myself

and the

on the present, not get lost in the memories of last

…

through the half-drawn blinds, casting soft

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

office gently soothes my usually anxious

a knock, crisp and

call out, expecting to see

the door swings open to reveal a tall, commanding figure

an air of unquestionable authority, the stranger’s steel blue

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

restaurant?”

my brow. I wasn’t expecting any health inspectors

smiles. “I’m

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

believe we had an appointment. How

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

a surprise, but your restaurant has garnered quite the

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

and fine

promised to go on that date with Karl,

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

modest office.

steady, “Among countless establishments in this city,

the four finalists we’re