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

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

add a special touch,” I

mirror,” he insisted, leaning in so his head was just over my shoulder.

voice, coupled with the affection in his eyes, wrapped around me like a baronial

more than just the physical aspect of us standing

of our connection, the silent communication and understanding that had grown between us.

reflection to meet

seemed to

the early morning light casting a soft

me, his hands on my shoulders, I felt grounded, as if everything in my life had led me to

compliment but for the comfort, the love, and the shared life

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

right there, in the way we stood, in the way we looked at each other, and in

to tell Luke about me trying to choose a dress for work today, and guess what! It didn’t take long before Luke

let’s see what we have here,” he muttered, pulling out a dress and holding

up for inspection.

an eyebrow. “Please tell me you’re not going

over

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

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

shaking my head

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

person at the office.”

his hand. “I’d blind everyone

aim for something

where’s the fun in subtle?” he teased, finally pulling out a sleek,

underneath the bag.

him, inspecting it with a critical eye. “Now we’re talking,”