Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Chapter 114
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 tried to

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

long that the numbers are

resolved sigh, I shut my

We can grab a drink. But just

of his mouth that used to drive me crazy

can

head to the bar down the street.

to the casual ambiance of the late-night setting feels almost surreal. This bar is known for

creaky wooden

onto a stool, Karl takes the seat beside

I’ve frequented this bar on Friday nights over

restaurant.

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

respond, but before I can, Karl speaks up.

bartender shuffles off, I raise my eyebrow at Karl. “Always

“Couldn’t let me order my own

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

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

me, the lines between past and present

to Karl, a primal instinct of our bond, but I fight against it. I made a promise to

and some light chit-chat won’t

nervously circling the rim of his glass.

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

for the time being. “Apologize?”

not being supportive of the competition. I know it’s important to you and to the restaurant.

jerk about it. I was…” He pauses, his brown

front of him.

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

skeptical, cautious. But something tells me

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

night.”

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

“Enough? I—”

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

this. So whatever you need, I’m here. We’re gonna make

you win this competition.”

feel my heart swell a little at his offer. The