Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

"Where are you taking me?" I giggle as Alex holds me carefully, guiding me

through the steps because of the blindfold over my eyes.

"Patience baby." His deep voice reaches my ears.

I hear the soft crunch of grass beneath my heels, the chirping of crickets around us, and the faint sound of water nearby.

My heart pounds not from nerves, but from the way his presence always seems to steal my breath.

"I swear if you're taking me into the woods to murder me-"

"I wouldn't make you wear your favorite dress if that were the plan," he murmurs

close to my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

We take a few more careful steps before he stops.

"Alright," he says softly. "You ready?"

"I've been ready since you said get dressed."" I grin under the blindfold.

His fingers graze my cheeks, lifting the fabric with a slow tenderness that makes me hold my breath.

And when the blindfold slips away-

My heart stops.

We're standing by the edge of a calm, silver lake, stars above twinkling like a private show from the heavens.

The water glistens under the soft glow of dozens no, hundreds of floating lanterns spread across the surface, each one glowing like a captured piece of the moon.

Behind us, on the shore, there's a thick, soft blanket spread out under a canopy of lights strung between two trees. A bottle of wine waits in a bucket of ice beside a basket, the whole scene glowing like something out of a dream.

Fireflies dance all around us, their little lights flickering in the air like they're celebrating something.

"Alex..." My voice catches as I turn to look at him.

I'm speechless. Usually, I'd faint or get a panic attack at the sight of a water body, but this time, my heart is calm, and my eyes are in love with everything they see.

with. And it's all because of this man right here. I've always blamed him for abandoning me that night to drown. I know he didn't know I had fallen inside the pool, but

middle of all this beauty. I can't help but

unreadable and intense.

I step forward slowly and completely overwhelmed. "But why

must have cost

walks toward one of the trees, pulling a string gently to send another lantern drifting out onto

This was the only

Thud

Thud

Thud Thud

beats faster

stepping close, cupping my cheek. "I want you to feel safe for the

my eyes as I

"Alex..."

he murmurs. "So I wanted to give you light. You see how bright and beautiful the scene

can't speak. My lips suddenly feel so dry that I can't move my tongue to respond. My heart swells so much that I'm sure it

love this

step closer, placing my hands on his face as I tilt my head

tall, but right now, I don't

brush

moment our eyes lock, my breath hitches. My heart is in my throat, my emotions tangled and raw. Words have failed

the only thin,

I kiss him.

soft timid kiss but one that holds every ounce of love, heartbreak, anger, forgiveness, and hunger I've buried deep inside. My

around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest as he deepens the kiss. He groans into my mouth, low and guttural, and it sends a bolt of heat shooting

I'm giving, and still needing more! fist the fror his shift as the kiss turns hot, messy, and breathless. My lungs burn, but

his hands are gripping my hips like he's scared I'll

when he kisses me like he's waited a lifetime to

begins to spin, do I finally break the kiss, panting against his mouth, our foreheads pressed

you drive me crazy..."

dazed and my lips are tingling while my chest

a sound stops any words from coming out of my

like the fireflies that dance around

blink, recognition hitting me

has been playing

You" by