Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 74: Always a Catch
Abby

The clock on the wall reads 11:30 PM, its ticking slicing through the quietness of my office like a knife.

I’m engrossed in the sea of paperwork in front of me when there’s a knock on the door—soft but

persistent. My eyes dart up, half-expecting to see Chloe or maybe Leah, but it’s Karl leaning against

the doorframe.

“Hey,” he says, his eyes not quite meeting mine as he studies the pile of papers on my desk. “Am I

interrupting?”

His sudden appearance sets off a chorus of conflicting emotions inside me. Part of me wants to put up

the barriers again, but another part is surprised and, dare I admit, pleased to see him. It’s late, and I

thought that I was the only one left in the restaurant. As it turns out, I was wrong.

“No, not really,” I reply, setting aside my pen. “Just wrapping up some payroll stuff. What are you still

doing here? It’s late.”

“I wanted to stay late to prep the kitchen for tomorrow.” He pauses, his eyes now finding mine. “Saw

the light on under your door on my way out. Figured I’d check on you.”

The sincerity in his voice is disarming, but there’s a moment of hesitance between us, thick and almost

tangible. Finally, I break the silence. “Oh. Well, I’m fine,” I say, managing a stiff smile. “Thanks.”

Karl stands there for a few moments longer. It’s clear that he’s not planning on leaving, and I sigh,

setting my pen down again. Last night, he helped me with the souffle recipe again. But tonight, I have

other work to do. I can’t focus 100% of my time on preparing for the cook-off.

“What is it?” I ask, glancing up at him.

He shrugs. There’s an almost mischievous look in his eyes, like there’s something that he wants to say

but isn’t saying it. “Bar’s still open,” he says, glancing at his watch. “I was thinking of grabbing a drink.

Wanna join me?”

me by surprise. All this time, I’ve

It’s easier that way. But then, at the same time, it is late.

this spreadsheet for so long that the numbers are starting to dance on

Finally, with a resolved sigh, I

grab a drink. But

mouth that used to drive me

“I can

to the bar down the street. The transition from

to the casual ambiance of the late-night setting feels almost surreal.

creaky wooden floors and comfortable

I slide onto a stool, Karl takes the seat beside me.

recognize him well; I’ve frequented this bar on Friday nights over

restaurant.

bartender says, nodding politely to Karl in turn. “What can I get you

to respond, but before I

I raise my eyebrow at

“Couldn’t let me

“Like you wouldn’t have ordered the same thing anyway. I know you,

know me. Too well, in fact. The bartender pours us a

lines between past

our bond, but I fight

some light

circling the rim of his glass.

that Karl’s reconciliation with

least for the time being. “Apologize?” I mutter.

know it’s important to you and

have been such a jerk about it. I was…” He pauses, his

in front

hang in the air between us, charged and filled

But

know that means a lot to me, Karl,” I murmur. “Thank you. But you

night.”

“I know. But I don’t feel as though

“Enough? I—”

gently, his brown eyes filled with sincerity. “I’m so proud

support you throughout all of this. So whatever you need, I’m

you win this competition.”

little at his offer. The man I