Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

"Thank you for saving me the other night." I smile at Zayan, who looks at me with a confused face.

I was afraid for my life, and now I realize my biggest fear is dying and leaving my young son. God, that wrecked me more than the cold did.

I was lucky to have been found early, and after lan did the scans, he discharged me, and I'm back at work.

"You had some concussion, but I'm glad it was temporary and all is good now. Don't stress and I'll also move you from ER for a while untill you're better." He had said.

I would have argued but that would have been selfish. So I reluctantly agreed.

"Saving you from what?" Zayan pulls me back.

I laugh.

Typical Zayan.

"I know you don't like it when I say thank you but truly. I appreciate you."

"Athena. You're confusing me. What are you talking about?" He asks as the waiter places my plate of steak, which Zayan picks up and cuts into small pieces before giving it back to me.

"Are you serious right now?" I ask, setting my fork down.

Zayan's brows furrow, his hands resting on the edge of the table like he's trying to solve a puzzle.

"What happened?" He asks.

My heart skips a beat, and I just stare at him, trying to read his face, trying to piece together the truth.

If not him... then who?

I search my mind, but everything from that night is still a blur. Cold rain, the impact, and the feeling of hands around me. Strong, warm hands. Someone blowing my hair. And a voice. A voice that now that I think about it doesn't sound like Zayan's.

But I shake my head and force a smile.

"It's nothing," I say, brushing it off like it doesn't matter.

Zayan watches me, his gaze studying me but quiet. Like he knows I'm hiding something. Like he wants to push, but won't.

happen, you can talk to me. You know that,

forcing a tight smile.

to our food in

cut a piece of steak, chew, then swallow. But

Again. And again.

him staring, then he quickly looks

his water

stab another piece and lift it to my

He's still watching me.

a clink and narrow

What

He blinks. "What?"

third head. If you have something to say, just say it.

into a slow, nervous

I raise an eyebrow.

shifting in his seat, then leans forward slightly, his fingers curling around the edge of the table. "I've been meaning to say this for a

know that tone, and I

you run into at cafes or call when you're bored." He gives a soft, dry

trust you, and of course you're not

joke. His

placing it in the middle of

you. More than I've let on. I

than just

to be more just a familiar face in your life. I'm risking it all and crossing the line you've

My breath catches.

can count on, not just when things fall apart, but when they're good, too. I want to be a part

man."

s

at my plate, feeling a

and safe. Maybe it's time I stopped chasing ghosts and gave something real a

if I'm ready," I admit quietly. "I've

why I'm asking now because I'm not expecting

face. There's no

me is tired of feeling

"Okay," I whisper. "Yes."

smile lights up instantly.