Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 282

Abby

I swallow hard, my palm slick with nervous sweat as I reach for the door handle.

“Ready?” Karl asks, his voice low. His eyes meet mine, and I can feel a sense of calm wash over me, although it’s not quite enough to allay the anxiety that’s blooming in my chest.

“Ready.”

The door swings open and the evening light spills into the hallway, carrying with it the judges.

Vanessa, with her air of understated elegance; Xavier, with his calm and quiet demeanor; and then there’s Logan.

Logan. His gaze scans over me, and suddenly I feel like I’m back on stage again beneath his heavy scrutiny. How does he feel about this second chance that Vanessa pushed for? Did he fight it? Will he scrutinize me again? Humiliate me again?

But then, Logan’s eyes slide over to Karl. There’s a flicker of something between them, and it reminds me of the supposed conversation they had. What more was said between the two of them that I don’t know about?

Either way, it doesn’t matter—because I have more on my plate tonight than a few critiques from a single judge.

“Good evening,” I say with an almost robotic smile, stepping aside, hoping that they can’t hear my heart thumping in my chest.

Vanessa sweeps in, her perfume washing over me as she walks past. It’s oddly calming, but as she looks around, I can’t help but wonder what she’ll think about my place.

“I’m so sorry for the switch-up,” I stammer. “My restaurant—”

“No worries,” Vanessa says with a warm smile. “This will do just fine. You have a lovely home.”

A surprised warmth flushes through me, easing the tightness in my shoulders. “Thank you. I’m glad you think so.”

Logan’s gaze prowls the space, analytical and cold. He gives a curt nod and not a word more. Xavier smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners, but he remains silent, following Vanessa’s lead.

Karl’s presence at my back is strangely comforting. We guide them to the kitchen where everything is laid out on the sparkling countertops, like a stage set for a big performance. The air is thick with the scent of herbs and citrus.

“You remember… Ken,” I introduce him, using his same pseudonym from the cook-off. He’s not wearing his blue surgical mask tonight since he’s not on television, but I can tell from the glance he gives me that he’s grateful for the anonymity. “He will be my sous chef again tonight.”

Logan steps forward, his hands clasped behind him. “We were under the impression, Abby, that this meal was to be prepared by you… without assistance.”

I feel the blood drain from my face, eyes darting to Karl, whose gaze is steady. There’s a silent exchange between us, and for a moment, I feel like I might crumble; but the look in his eyes bolsters me. I nod, looking back at the judges. “Of course. That’s not a problem.”

The room falls silent for a moment before Vanessa’s soothing voice fills the void. “We’re looking forward to the meal you’ll be preparing for us tonight, Abby,” she says, glancing around the kitchen, taking everything in. “Now, for the stipulations…”

Without further ado, the judges go on to explain my expectations for tonight. They will be observing me as I cook, and I’ll be expected to explain my process throughout. That should be easy; a whole hell of a lot easier than being on camera, at least.

I nod when they’re finished. I can do this.

Just before I begin, Karl’s hand brushes mine. It’s a momentary touch, but it’s grounding when I need it the most. He gives me a glance, his eyes speaking volumes.

He knows I can do this. I know I can do this.