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.”

the smile that spread across my face,

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

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

“It’s not the mirror,” he insisted, leaning in so his head was just over my

eyes, wrapped around me like a baronial embrace.

physical aspect of us standing there.

depth of our connection, the silent communication

reflection to meet my

The world seemed to narrow down to

the early morning light casting a soft glow around

behind me, his hands on my shoulders, I felt grounded, as if everything in my

you,” I whispered, not just for the compliment but for the comfort, the love, and the

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

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 we made

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

here,” he muttered, pulling out a dress and

up for inspection.

door frame, arms crossed, and raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me you’re not going to suggest that I wear that neon pink disaster

offending dress over his shoulder. “Not a

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

continued his search, pulling out dresses of varying colors and styles, each one more outrageous

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

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

at

of his hand.

something more subtle, shall we?”

where’s the fun in subtle?” he

the bag.

it with a critical eye. “Now