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

and I… No. I shake my head m entally.

up my

“Just… be

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

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

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

To Karl.

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

his laughter, the touch of his

need to stop this. Last night was a mistake. An

shouldn’t

more I try to erase not

The

in my thoughts, cleaning up

I’m done, the kitchen is spotless—gleaming counters and organized tools. I wish it was as

sort out my emotions.

same one where Karl and I shared that moment,

still fresh, the feelings raw. But this is neither the time nor the place to deal with

away from the counter, reminding myself of my

the promises I made to

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

…

sunlight sl ants through the half-drawn blinds, casting soft golden beams onto my desk as I

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

my office gently

a knock, crisp

in,” I call out, expecting to see Ethan

door swings open to reveal a tall, commanding

suit, with an air of unquestionable authority,

mine. He extends a hand, introducing himself. “You’re

restaurant?”

wasn’t expecting any health inspectors today. “Yes,”

smiles. “I’m

him, I shake his offered hand, slightly taken aback

an

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

but your

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

meals and fine

I promised to go on that date with Karl, since I lost our

mind races, trying to grasp why a representative from the

modest office.

establishments in this city, yours

among the four finalists we’re considering