Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 126

“Thanks, Elsie,” I say softly. “It’s good to be back.”

With that, I make my way back into the house, each step carrying a different weight, a different emotion. As I reach the top of the staircase, I hear Karl’s voice drifting from the living room, and my heart does a strange little leap. Maybe Elsie’s smirk held more truth than I’d like to admit.

Just then, I hear the familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts snap back to the present. Reluctantly, I pull it from my pocket and see a message from Ethan. He’s asking a question about inventory, and I know that I should let it wait until I get home. But before I know it, I’m typing out a reply, unable to resist the urge to be a boss for five minutes.

I’m halfway through responding when the sound of footsteps approaches behind me. “Ahem.”

Startled, I whip around to see Karl standing on the step below me. He has a knowing look on his face, and a sparkle in his eye.

He moves closer, and for a split second, I’m transported back to a time when this was an everyday occurrence.

“You’re not working, are you?” he asks, gesturing to the phone in my hand. “You’re supposed to be enjoying the weekend off.”

With an embarrassed shrug, I avert my gaze. “Maybe a little.”

Karl reaches for my phone, gently taking it from me. “Abby, Ethan and the restaurant will survive just fine without you for a couple of days. Just try to relax. Please.”

I look at him, partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He always had a knack for cutting through my excuses. “Okay, okay. No more work. I get it.”

A smile brightens his face, and it’s a smile I’ve missed more than I care to admit. “Well, look,” he says, “I just finished up a couple of things here, and now I’m free until my meeting. How about some coffee at that cafe you used to love?”

…

The cafe hasn’t changed much since I was last here three years ago.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, mingled with the comforting scents of baked goods. Even the barista seems to remember us, shooting a discreet, knowing look our way.