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

“I suppose the mirror does add a special touch,” I teased, meeting his gaze in the reflection.

not the mirror,” he insisted, leaning in so his head was just over my shoulder.

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

the physical aspect of us standing there.

reflected back the depth of our connection, the silent communication and understanding that had grown

reflection to

lingering in the air. The world seemed to narrow down to

morning light casting a soft glow around us.

a profound sense of peace and mirth. With Luke behind me, his hands on my shoulders,

for the comfort, the love, and the shared life

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

realized that no mirror was needed to see the beauty of what we had together. It was right there, in the way we stood, in the

a dress for work today, and guess what! It didn’t take long before Luke rummaged

we have here,” he muttered, pulling out

up for inspection.

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

over his shoulder. “Not a chance.

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

out dresses

I exclaimed, shaking my head in mock dismay. “I think-

sequined monstrosity that seemed to glitter under the room’s fluorescent lights. “But hey, at least you’ll be

at the office.”

his hand.

aim for something more subtle, shall

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

underneath the

as I took the dress from him, inspecting it with a critical eye. “Now we’re talking,” I declared, holding it up