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.”

smile that spread across

523 FASHION FLIRTATIONS

add a special touch,”

the mirror,” he insisted, leaning in so his head was just over my

the affection in his eyes, wrapped around me like a baronial embrace. Our reflections in the mirror–a snapshot of our relationship-

physical aspect of us standing there. It

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

our reflection to meet

The world seemed to narrow down

casting a soft glow around us.

hands on my shoulders, I felt grounded, as if everything in my life had led me

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

of his own–to be there, to support, to cherish. As I

there, in the way we stood, in the way we looked at each other, and in the silent promises we made for

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

have here,” he muttered, pulling

up for inspection.

arms crossed, and raised an eyebrow. “Please tell me you’re not

chuckled, tossing the offending dress over his shoulder. “Not a

223: FASHION FEIRTATIONS

pulling out dresses of varying colors

torture me?” I exclaimed, shaking my head in mock dismay. “I think-

he admitted with a grin, holding up a sequined monstrosity that seemed to glitter under the room’s fluorescent lights.

at the office.”

out of his hand. “I’d blind everyone within

Let’s aim for something

up in defeat. “Fine, fine. But where’s

underneath the

eye. “Now we’re