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 a blend of

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

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

low 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

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

than just the physical aspect of us

connection, the silent communication and understanding that had

gaze shifted from our reflection to meet my eyes directly, an

seemed to narrow down to just this room, this

early morning light casting a soft glow

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

for the comfort, the love, and the

my shoulders, a wordless promise of his own–to be there, to support,

It was right there, in the way we stood, in the

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

what we have here,” he muttered, pulling out

up for inspection.

me

the offending dress over his

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

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

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

seemed to

person at the office.”

of his hand. “I’d blind

something

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

the bag.

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