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?”

time, I’ve tried to contain our

It’s easier that way. But

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

Finally, with a resolved sigh, I

a drink. But just one, you hear

the corners of his mouth that

“I can

head to the bar

ambiance of the late-night setting feels almost surreal.

atmosphere, creaky wooden floors and comfortable

I slide onto a stool, Karl takes the seat beside me. The bartender comes up to us and

on Friday nights over

restaurant.

nodding politely to Karl in turn. “What

but before I can, Karl speaks up.

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

let me

you wouldn’t have ordered the

fact. The bartender pours us a

between past and present blur a bit. I

of our bond, but I fight against it.

little whiskey and some light chit-chat won’t change

Karl starts, his fingers nervously circling the rim of his glass. “I need

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

the time being.

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

it. I was…”

front

charged and

cautious. But something

to me, Karl,” I murmur. “Thank you. But

night.”

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

“Enough? I—”

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

to support you throughout all of this. So whatever you need, I’m here. We’re

you win this competition.”

offer. The man I used to love—the man