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 my face, feeling a

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

special touch,” I

leaning in so his

affection in his eyes, wrapped around me like a baronial

just the physical aspect of us standing there. It was as

connection, the silent communication

shifted from our reflection to

air. The world seemed to narrow down to just this room,

light casting a soft

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

whispered, not just for the compliment but for the comfort, the love, and the shared life that seemed to promise

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

mirror was needed to see 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

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

what we have here,” he muttered, pulling out a

up for inspection.

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

dress over his shoulder. “Not a

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

out dresses of varying colors and styles, each

head in mock dismay. “I think- you’re secretly enjoying

holding up a sequined monstrosity that seemed to glitter

person at

his hand. “I’d blind

Let’s aim for something

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

underneath the bag.

I took the dress from him, inspecting it with a critical eye. “Now