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.”

spread across

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

suppose the mirror does add a special touch,” I

the mirror,” he insisted, leaning in so his

wrapped around me like a baronial embrace.

capture more than just the physical aspect of us standing

our connection, the

from our reflection to meet my

world seemed to

the early morning light casting a soft glow around us.

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

for the comfort, the love, and the

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

was right there, in the way we stood, in the way we looked at each

dress for work today, and guess

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

up for inspection.

crossed, and raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me

dress over his shoulder. “Not a

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

pulling out dresses of varying colors and styles, each one more outrageous than the

you trying to torture me?” I exclaimed, shaking my head in mock dismay.

that seemed to glitter under the room’s

person at

dress out of his

aim for something more

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

underneath the bag.

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