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.”

across my face, feeling

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

confidence. “I suppose the mirror does add a special touch,”

laugh resonated through the small space between us. “It’s not the mirror,” he insisted, leaning in so his head was just over my shoulder. It’s you. The mirror

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

more than just the physical aspect of us standing there. It

the mirror reflected back the depth of our connection, the silent communication and understanding

reflection to meet my eyes directly, an

to narrow down to just

early morning light casting

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 and elation.

the love, and the shared life that seemed

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

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 for the

me trying to choose a dress for work today, and guess what! It didn’t take long before Luke rummaged through my bag,

muttered,

up for inspection.

against the door frame, arms crossed, and raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me you’re not going to suggest that

chuckled, tossing the offending dress over

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

his search, pulling out dresses of varying colors and styles, each

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

a grin, holding up a sequined monstrosity that seemed

person at

his

aim for something more subtle,

feigned disappointment, dramatically throwing his hands up in defeat. “Fine, fine. But where’s the fun in subtle?” he teased, finally pulling out a sleek, black dress

the

as I took the dress from him, inspecting it with a critical eye. “Now we’re talking,” I declared, holding it up against myself in the mirror. “What