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, feeling a

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

add a special touch,” I

so his head was just over my shoulder. It’s you. The mirror just reminds you of what’s already there.”

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

aspect of

connection, the silent

shifted from our reflection to meet my eyes

air. The world seemed to narrow

casting a soft glow around

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 in my life had led me to this point of greatness

but for the comfort, the love, and the shared life that seemed to promise so much

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

It was right there, in the

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

we have here,” he muttered, pulling out a dress and holding

up for inspection.

raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me you’re not going to suggest that I wear

over his shoulder.

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

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

my head in mock dismay. “I

seemed

person at the

laughed, swatting the dress out of his hand. “I’d blind everyone within a ten–mile

for something more subtle, shall

fine. But where’s the fun in subtle?” he teased, finally

underneath the bag.

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