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.

if something did happen, you

a tight smile. "I

our food in

steak,

Again. And again.

staring, then he quickly looks away, pretending

his water glass

stab another piece and

He's still watching me.

set my fork down with a clink

Seriously. What

He blinks. "What?"

like I've grown a third head. If you have something to say,

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 while now,

skips a beat because I know that tone, and I know

when you're bored." He gives a soft, dry laugh. "I know you have a lot on your plate and I know you've been hurt. But

course you're not just some friend I call when

to the joke. His eyes remain serious as he watches

leans forward, grabbing my hand and placing it in the

I like you. More than I've let on. I know we've

than just

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

My breath catches.

everything. I want to be someone you can count on, not just when things fall apart, but when they're good, too. I want to be a part of your life, babe.

man."

s

my plate, feeling a strange weight

Kind. Loyal and safe. Maybe it's time I stopped chasing

I admit quietly. "I've been through

I'm asking now because I'm not expecting perfection. I

at him, searching his face. There's no pressure in his

maybe a part of me

"Okay," I whisper. "Yes."

lights