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.”

help the smile that spread across my face, feeling a blend of bashfulness

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

add a special touch,” I teased,

so his head was just over my shoulder. It’s you. The

me like a baronial

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

depth of our connection, the silent communication and understanding that had grown between

reflection to meet my eyes directly,

to narrow down to just

early morning light casting a soft

Luke behind me, his hands on my shoulders, I felt grounded, as if everything in my life had led me to this point of

for the comfort, the love, and the

own–to be

I realized that no 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

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

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

up for inspection.

eyebrow. “Please tell me you’re

over his shoulder.

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

out dresses of varying colors and styles, each one

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

a grin, holding up a sequined monstrosity that seemed to glitter under the room’s

person at

laughed, swatting the dress out of his hand. “I’d

aim for something

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

the bag.

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