Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 185

Karl

“You’ve been staring at those profiles I gave you for hours, Karl,” Marcus says, his eyes flickering over to me from where he sits across my desk. “What’s on your mind?”

I run a hand through my hair, feeling deflated after the hectic morning. “It’s just... None of them feel right, Marcus. These women are undoubtedly qualified and capable, but I’m just not interested in any of them.”

Marcus nods. “Well, maybe you just need a different approach,” he suggests. “Why don’t you hold a private date with each of them? It might be easier to get an idea of what they’re really like that way.”

I lean back in my plush leather chair, considering Marcus’ words. While I hate the idea of going on a private date with any of these women, the Alpha party is ticking closer and I have yet to find a partner.

“Alright,” I finally concede with a sigh. “I’ll set up dates with the top three candidates.”

With that decision made, I instruct Marcus to arrange the private dates with Marissa, Meg, and Shana, the three women who seem like the most viable candidates for not only a date, but also a future Luna.

None of them are Abby, but it’s about as good as I can get. And who knows? Maybe I’ll have a real connection with one of them.

…

Marissa

“Karl, it’s a pleasure to finally have some one-on-one time,” Marissa purrs, her voice mingling with the sounds of the romantic bistro that I’ve chosen as our date spot.

I return her smile, although it feels like a hollow gesture. “Likewise. You made an impression on me at the luncheon, so I thought it only fitting if we met again.”

Her fingers twirl the stem of her wine glass as she leans in closer. “I knew we hit it off. I’m known for making… lasting impressions. Especially on men.”

Her words make me uneasy, but I choose to ignore it for now. “So, Marissa, what are your interests?”

She tilts her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with hubris. “I’m quite the socialite. You’ll often find me at the most exclusive events and parties. And of course, I love fashion.”

“Fashion,” I echo, nodding. “I’m intrigued. Tell me more.”

Marissa launches into an extensive monologue about her favorite designers, mentioning high-end brands and exclusive collections. It’s obvious that it’s something that entices her, but something nags at the back of my mind.

“I think it’s great that you’re so passionate about fashion,” I say when she’s finished. “Personally, I enjoy—”

Before I can answer, she cuts in with another monologue, leaving no room for me to respond. It’s off-putting, and I’m left reeling, feeling like this is a very one-sided conversation.

By the time she finishes, I’ve made up my mind. This conversation isn’t going anywhere, and in fact, her self-absorbed nature is making me want to dunk my head into the fish tank that’s on the other end of the bistro.

“Marissa,” I say, keeping my tone steady, “I appreciate your company tonight, but I just don’t see this going anywhere. I’m sorry.”

She lets out an exasperated sigh, her irritation thinly veiled. “Karl, you don’t know what you’re missing.”

Without another word, she storms off, leaving me alone with an exorbitantly expensive bill and a bad taste in my mouth.

…

Meg

Meg arrives in a whirlwind of energy, her long hair cascading down her back as she approaches the table. She’s dressed in a vibrant red dress, her makeup bold and eye-catching. But what stands out the most is that her phone is practically glued to her hand, just like at the luncheon.

I’ve chosen a rooftop bar for this occasion—well, actually, Meg was the one who picked it when I reached out to invite her on a date. In fact, she insisted. I decided to give it a chance, figuring that it’s a place I’ve never visited before.

“Karl, darling, you won’t believe how excited I am for this evening,” she exclaims, leaning in for an air-kiss on each cheek.

I return her greeting with a warm smile. “I’m looking forward to it as well, Meg. This place is nice. Thanks for recommending it.”

She takes her seat, and her eyes immediately light up as she scans the menu. “Oh, actually, could you take a picture of me first? I need to update my Instagram.”

I’m a bit taken aback, but I agree, if only to be polite. “Sure.”

She hands me her phone and positions herself against the backdrop of the cityscape, posing with a dramatic flair. I take a few pictures, trying my best to capture her in flattering angles.

But people are staring, and I feel like I’m making a fool of myself. So after a few pictures, I hand the phone back and step away.

“There you go.”

Meg takes a look at the photos I’ve taken and frowns. “Karl, these are terrible! I can’t post any of these. They make me look fat. Try again.”

I’m taken aback once more, but in the spirit of giving people the benefit of the doubt, I do as she asks. We repeat the process several times, with Meg growing increasingly frustrated each time she reviews the photos.

At one point, she even asks the waiter to take a few shots, but nothing seems to meet her standards.

Finally, she snaps. “Karl, you’re supposed to make me look good! This is your job, you know.”

“My job?” I scoff.

She folds her arms across her chest. “You could at least try to take one good picture of me. It’s like you don’t even care.”

By this point, I’ve had enough. We’ve been here for almost an hour, and we still haven’t even ordered our drinks. I finally push my chair back and stand, grabbing my jacket.

“Where are you going?” she asks, her eyes wide.

“I’m leaving,” I reply. “If you wanted a photographer, you could have just said so.”

Without waiting for a response, I leave the rooftop restaurant, ignoring her calls behind me.

…

Shana

This is it: the third date. I’m standing outside a small Italian restaurant, a low-key place that was much needed after the first two failures. The air smells like fresh bread and oregano, and I can hear the sound of accordion music playing inside.

Shana, my third date, is a few minutes late. I’m checking my watch, wondering when she’ll arrive, when a sleek white car pulls up and out of the back steps a lovely looking woman with long red hair and freckles across her nose.

I remember her from the luncheon, but she was quiet the whole time; we barely got to talk. Maybe that’s why I picked her as one of my top three—because she’s not loud and obnoxious.

“Shana?” I say, stepping forward.

“Karl,” she says as she approaches, her white dress swishing around her legs. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Likewise. Would you like to head inside?”

We head inside and take our seats by the window. Shana is quiet, but I chalk it up to nervousness, and besides: the quiet is nice for a change.

After we order our meals, I decide to break the ice. “So, Shana, what do you do for a living?”

She chuckles softly, a hint of shyness in her eyes. “Well, to be honest, my father runs a successful business, and I help him manage it. It’s not very interesting, I’m afraid.”

I nod. “Business rarely is. What would you rather do, if you weren’t working for your father?”

Shana’s light up at my question. “Well, I love to paint…”

Before I know it, we’ve fallen into an easy—albeit sparse—conversation. Shana is a painter, and likes to read. She’s pretty, sweet, and although she’s not the most exciting or talkative company, she’s good company nonetheless.

I can’t help but think to myself that I wouldn’t mind her company in the future, even if it’s just for a date to the Alpha party. At the very least, she’s leaps and bounds more pleasant than the first two dates. Of course, she’s not Abby… but no one ever will be, and I’ll just have to get used to that.

As the evening draws to a close, I decide to broach the subject that’s been on my mind. “Shana, there's something I’d like to discuss with you.”

She tilts her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

I take a moment to choose my words carefully. It’s a decision that weighs heavily on my heart, but it’s one I’ve had to make nonetheless.

Yes, she’s not Abby, and yes, I’m not in love with her. But the Alpha party is getting close, and I need a date; and Shana, out of the three candidates I selected, seems like the most reasonable option. And maybe, just maybe, I could grow to feel more for her.

“Would you like to attend the Alpha gathering with me? As my date?”

Shana’s eyes widen in surprise, and she blushes slightly. “Karl, I would be honored to be your date.”