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.”

couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face, feeling

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

special

us. “It’s not the mirror,” he insisted, leaning in so his head

his eyes, wrapped around me like a

than just the physical aspect of us standing there. It was

the silent communication and understanding

gaze shifted from our reflection to meet my eyes

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

early morning light casting a

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

comfort, the love, and the shared life that seemed to promise

was a gentle squeeze of my shoulders, a wordless promise of his own–to be there, to support, to cherish. As I leaned back slightly, feeling his

had together. It was right there, in the

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

muttered, pulling out a

up for inspection.

door frame, arms crossed, and raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me

the offending dress over

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

time.” He continued his search, pulling out dresses of varying colors and styles, each one more outrageous than the last.

me?” I exclaimed, shaking my head in mock dismay. “I think- you’re secretly enjoying this.”

as charged,” he admitted with a grin, holding up a sequined monstrosity that seemed to glitter under the room’s

at the

the dress out of his

something more

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

the

with a critical eye. “Now we’re talking,” I declared, holding it up against myself in