The Love From Vengeance

323: FASHION FLIRTATIONS

ARIEL’S POV

I stepped out of the shower, wrapped a towel around my body, and I was getting ready for work. Yesterday, Andre agreed with me to take my spot back at his company. He was such a wonderful friend. If it were some folks, they’d go ahead to do something that was not on the right side.

Luke was walking around the room, making a phone call. I just stood, watching him until he was done. He let out a sigh since his talk on the phone was more of an argument than a conversation. But staring at me, he smiled.

“Is it just me, or do you look absolutely pretty whenever you step out of the shower?”

He walked closer to me.

“Oh really, you think so?”

“You haven’t noticed?” he raised an eyebrow. Oh, right, I forgot. You can’t look at yourself unless you go and stand close to a mirror.

“There’s a mirror right there.” I gestured towards the mirror fixed on the wall in the

room.

“Go take a look at yourself then.” Luke grinned at me.

I sighed and moved towards the mirror. The cool air of the room contrasted with the warmth still radiating from my skin. Luke followed closely behind, his presence a

comforting fervor at my back.

Standing in front of the mirror, I caught our reflections. The contrast between my towel–wrapped form and his casual, everyday attire highlighted the intimacy of the

moment.

Luke’s hands found their way to my shoulders, his touch gentle. Our eyes met through the mirror; his gaze was soft yet intense, making my heart flutter.

“See?” he said quietly, his voice soothing to the fullest. “Absolutely stunning.”

across my face, feeling a blend of

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

does add a special touch,” I teased, meeting his

the mirror,” he insisted, leaning in so his head was just over my shoulder. It’s you. The mirror just reminds you of what’s

his eyes, wrapped around me like a baronial embrace. Our reflections in the mirror–a snapshot

to capture more than just the physical aspect of us standing

the silent communication and understanding that had

shifted from our reflection to meet my eyes directly,

seemed to narrow

early morning light casting a soft glow around us.

seemingly inconsequential moment, I found a profound sense of peace and mirth. With Luke behind me, his hands on my shoulders, I felt grounded, as if everything in my life had led

for the comfort, the

his own–to be there, to support, to cherish. As I leaned back

was right there, in the way we stood, in the way we looked at each other, and in the silent promises we made for the

I had to tell Luke about me trying to choose a dress for work today, and guess what! It didn’t take long before Luke rummaged through my bag, a goddamn grin right on

he muttered, pulling out a dress and

up for inspection.

frame, arms crossed, and raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me you’re not going to suggest that

the offending dress over his shoulder. “Not a chance.

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

dresses of varying colors and styles, each one more outrageous than the

to torture me?” I exclaimed, shaking my head in mock

that seemed to glitter under

person at the office.”

out of his hand.

something

“Fine, fine. But where’s the fun in subtle?” he teased, finally pulling out

the bag.

from him, inspecting it with a critical eye. “Now we’re talking,” I declared, holding it up against myself in the mirror. “What