Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 99

Abby

The weight of the world feels like it’s pressing down on my shoulders like a leaden weight, and just when I think it can’t get any heavier, Karl appears in the doorway of my office.

“Is everything okay, Abby?” he asks, and there’s a genuine concern in his eyes that almost—almost—makes me want to believe in him again.

I hesitate, my eyes darting to my phone with Chloe’s unsent text. But there’s also a cook-off I need to win, friendships to mend, and a restaurant to run. “I’m fine,” I lie, although my voice betrays me, cracking slightly.

“Come on, Abby.” He steps into the room, closing the door behind him. “You and I both know that’s not true.”

I sigh, shifting my gaze to my computer screen where an article on black truffles glares back at me. I already promised to myself that I wouldn’t let Karl get closer, and everything in my body is screaming at me right now to send him away.

But before I can stop him, Karl moves closer, leaning on the edge of my desk. “Look, if you don’t want to talk about it, fine. But if there’s any way I can help—”

“Help?” I snort, incredulous. “You’ve done enough, don’t you think?”

He winces, stung by the harshness of my words.”Alright, fair point,” he concedes, pausing. “But let’s not pretend that I’m the only complicated thing in your life right now.”

His eyes flicker to my computer screen, then back to me. “Now, what’s this about black truffles?”

I exhale deeply, a mixture of relief and frustration swirling within me. As much as it pains me to admit it, he’s right; I’m in desperate need of help. “I need them for a dish I’m working on for the cook-off,” I confess. “But they’re rare, expensive, and the season’s basically over.”

Karl glances at the screen again, his eyes scanning the article. “You know, I might be able to help with that. When I was sourcing ingredients for Adam—”

I flinch at the mention of Adam’s name. Every memory of that whole debacle is a stab to the gut, a cruel reminder of not only the breakup, but the fact that Karl played a role in it.

“I know, I know,” he catches himself, shaking his head. “But Abby, the point is, I have contacts, suppliers who specialize in rare ingredients. If you let me, I can try to secure these truffles for you.”

The thought of accepting Karl’s help churns my stomach. Can I trust him? Should I? But there’s no denying the dire straits I’m in. “Fine,” I finally say. “Give it a shot.”

His eyes light up, almost as if he’s been waiting for this tiny chance at redemption. He quickly pulls out his phone and dials a number. I can hear the phone ring, then someone picks up.

“Hey, Jack,” he says. “It’s Karl. Listen, I need a favor.”

My heart pounds in my chest as I listen to him speak to the supplier. There’s a hint of urgency in his voice, but also a smooth confidence that I remember all too well. It’s the same confidence that charmed me once upon a time, the same confidence that I’ve been trying to protect myself from.