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?”

time, I’ve tried

only. It’s easier that way. But then, at the same time,

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

Finally, with a resolved sigh, I shut

grab a drink.

lifting of the corners of his mouth that used to drive me crazy

says. “I can live

restaurant, we head to the bar

setting feels

creaky wooden floors

stool, Karl takes the seat beside me. The bartender

well; I’ve frequented this bar on Friday nights over the years

restaurant.

Karl in turn. “What can I get

respond, but before I can, Karl speaks up. “Two

raise my eyebrow at Karl. “Always the Alpha, huh?” I tease

me

“Like you wouldn’t have ordered the

does know me. Too well, in fact. The bartender

lines between past

primal instinct of our bond, but I fight against it. I made

and some

starts, his fingers nervously circling the rim of his

caught off guard. I thought that Karl’s reconciliation with Chloe yesterday was enough of

time

I know it’s important to you and to the

such a jerk about it. I was…” He pauses, his brown eyes studying

front of

air between us, charged and filled with an

be skeptical, cautious. But

Karl,” I murmur. “Thank you. But you already

night.”

escapes Karl’s lips. “I know. But I don’t feel as though it

“Enough? I—”

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

to support you throughout all of this. So whatever you

you win this competition.”

a little at his offer.