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?”

proposition takes me by surprise. All this time, I’ve

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

so long that the numbers are starting

a resolved sigh, I shut

a drink. But just

of his mouth that used to drive me crazy in love.

can

locking up the restaurant, we head to the bar down the street. The transition from

the casual ambiance of the late-night setting

atmosphere, creaky wooden floors and comfortable

onto a stool, Karl takes the seat beside me. The bartender comes

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

restaurant.

the bartender says, nodding politely to Karl in turn. “What

respond, but before I can, Karl speaks up.

the bartender shuffles off, I raise my eyebrow at

“Couldn’t let me order my

ordered the same thing

well, in fact. The

spreads through me, the lines between past and present blur a bit. I find myself

our bond, but I fight against it. I made

whiskey and some light

fingers nervously circling the rim of his glass.

caught off guard. I thought that Karl’s reconciliation

the time being. “Apologize?” I mutter.

being supportive of the competition. I know

have been such a jerk about it. I was…”

front

us, charged and filled with an honesty

But something tells me this is

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

night.”

lips. “I know. But I don’t feel as

“Enough? I—”

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

So whatever you

you win this competition.”

heart swell a little at his offer. The man I