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.”

smile that spread across my face, feeling

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

a special touch,” I teased, meeting his gaze

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 already there.”

his voice, coupled with the affection in his eyes, wrapped around me like a baronial embrace. Our reflections in the mirror–a snapshot of

the physical aspect of

our connection, the silent

our reflection to meet my

to narrow down to just this room,

with the early morning light casting a soft

I found a profound sense of peace and mirth. With Luke behind me, his hands on my shoulders, I felt grounded, as if everything

comfort, the love, and the shared life that seemed to promise so much more.

promise of his own–to be

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

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

what we have here,” he muttered, pulling out a dress and

up for inspection.

tell me you’re not going to suggest that

dress over his shoulder. “Not a

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

my lesson the last time.” He continued his search, pulling out dresses of varying

my head in mock dismay. “I think- you’re secretly enjoying

grin, holding up a sequined monstrosity that seemed to glitter under the room’s fluorescent lights. “But hey, at

at the office.”

swatting the dress out of his hand. “I’d blind everyone

Let’s aim for something

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

underneath the bag.

eye. “Now we’re talking,” I declared, holding it