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.”

that spread across my face, feeling a

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

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

laugh resonated through the small space between us. “It’s not 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

the affection in his eyes, wrapped around me like a baronial embrace.

the physical aspect

the depth of our connection, the silent

gaze shifted from our reflection to meet my eyes

the air. The world seemed to narrow down to just this room,

with the early morning light casting a soft glow around us.

here, in this small, 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 me to

for the comfort, the love, and the shared life that seemed

promise of his own–to be there, to support, to cherish.

needed to see the beauty of what we had together. It was right there, in the way we stood, in the way we looked at each other, and in the silent promises

guess what! It didn’t take long before Luke rummaged through my bag, a goddamn grin right

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

up for inspection.

an eyebrow. “Please tell me you’re not going to suggest that I wear that neon pink

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

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

He continued his search, pulling out dresses of varying colors and styles,

to torture me?” I exclaimed, shaking my head in mock dismay. “I think-

seemed to glitter under the room’s fluorescent

at the

of his hand.

Let’s aim for something more subtle, shall we?”

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

underneath the

inspecting it with a critical eye. “Now