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?”

All this time, I’ve

restaurant only. It’s easier that way. But then,

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

resolved sigh, I shut

We can grab a drink. But just one, you

a subtle lifting of the corners of his mouth that used to drive

can live

to the bar

late-night setting feels almost surreal. This bar is

wooden

beside me. The bartender comes up to us and leans

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

restaurant.

nodding politely to Karl in turn. “What can

respond, but before

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

“Couldn’t let me order my

wouldn’t have ordered the same thing anyway. I know

does know me. Too well, in fact. The bartender pours us a couple of whiskeys,

between past and

instinct of our bond, but I fight against

whiskey and some light chit-chat

his fingers nervously circling the rim

I thought that Karl’s reconciliation with Chloe yesterday

the time

the competition. I know it’s important to you and to

about it. I was…” He pauses,

front

hang in the air between us, charged and filled with an honesty that disorients me.

to be skeptical, cautious. But something tells me

a lot to me, Karl,” I murmur. “Thank you. But you already apologized

night.”

sigh escapes Karl’s lips. “I know. But I don’t

“Enough? I—”

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

all of this. So

you win this competition.”

a little at his offer.