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

of sight, a coffee cup

greets, his eyes searching mine

reassurance.

reply cautiously. “You’re here

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

and light, just the way I like it. But I

trying to butter me

low and surprisingly endearing

a slightly serious tone take over my voice. “And actually, I’ve

I can’t come with you. It’s not a good idea… for multiple

eyes is

nods. “I

second attempt to change my mind. Just those two words: “I understand.”

heard Karl

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

anyway?”

step back. “It’s your decision whether you go or

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

coffee cup in

had ulterior motives behind inviting me

wonder if

…

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

for a brief moment before the chaos of dinner

or crises to deal with, I decide to leave the sanctuary of my office

do, I notice

is to approach

the mood as I suspect that the conversation will go south, but something holds me

their line of sight but

like?” Karl asks. His voice is genuine, not the

to a pretty

little basic, but I honestly just

for the

my own heart. Have you tried the fettuccine alfredo here

menu,

dishes like that.”

in response. I can

it makes my heart wander a