Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Chapter 116
Abby

My apartment door shuts behind me with a satisfying click after a long day of being away from home.

With a sigh, I throw my bag on the couch, and flop down beside it.

But it’s not long before I’m on my feet again, pacing my apartment floor as I chew on my lower lip.

Karl’s proposition still lingers in my mind: going with him to the pack? To our old home?

My first instinct screams at me to not go, of course. To return to our old home together? How is that not

a recipe for disaster?

As I finally decide to pour myself a glass of wine to calm my frayed nerves, I think to myself that right

now, I really do have it all. A successful career, friends who love me, and the cook-off coming up. Why

throw a wrench into it by letting Karl back into my life in that way? We’re doing just fine as friends,

keeping everything at arm’s length between us. There’s no need for it to become more than that.

But then, there’s still a tiny sliver of myself that almost considers going with him. My life was once

entwined with his, after all. The long talks in our garden at sunset, the joy of cooking in a kitchen I had

designed myself.

But that was a lifetime ago.

I take a sip of wine, letting the bitter flavor linger on my tongue before swallowing. “Tomorrow,” I

resolve, “I’ll tell him I can’t go. It’s for the best.”

…

The scent of freshly brewed coffee greets me the moment I walk into the restaurant. It’s comforting and

slightly bittersweet, but also unexpected. I should be the only one here right now, and I didn’t see

Ethan’s car on the way in; but I’ve hardly made it halfway through the door when Karl suddenly steps

line of sight, a

greets, his eyes searching mine for

reassurance.

cautiously. “You’re

holding the cup out to me. “Wanted to get some prep

just the way I like it. But I can

trying to butter me up again, aren’t

and surprisingly endearing sound. “Is it

letting a slightly serious tone take over my voice.

with you. It’s not

his eyes is subtle but unmistakable. But

simply nods. “I

second attempt to change my mind. Just those

the amount of times I’ve heard Karl utter those words on

“That’s it?” I find myself saying. “You’re not gonna try to convince me

anyway?”

step back. “It’s your decision whether you

take a little time off. But if you don’t want to go, I

I’m left standing here, coffee cup in hand, my eyes wide with

had ulterior motives behind

wonder if that was ever the

…

the clock again—2:37 p.m., the post-lunch lull when the restaurant can

before the chaos of dinner service

put out or crises to deal with,

do, I notice

the kitchen, chatting amicably. My first instinct is to

suspect that the conversation will go south,

out of their line of sight but close

asks. His voice is genuine,

to a

I know it’s a little basic, but I honestly just love Italian food,”

day for the rest of my life

own heart.

“It’s the best dish on the menu, in my opinion! I kind

dishes like that.”

says in response. I can

my heart wander