Only for You

14: The Wait

Zac held the door open for her as they exited the restaurant. The cool Parisian night air wrapped around them, the distant hum of the city mingling with the sounds of passing cars and the soft clinking of glasses from nearby cafes. Fatima stepped outside, glancing over her shoulder at him with a small smile, and he couldn't help but return it.

He walked her to the car, where he opened the passenger door and gestured for her to get in. "M'lady," he said with a slight bow, adding a playful smirk.

Fatima rolled her eyes, but a smile broke through as she slid into the seat. "Thank you, sir."

Zac closed the door gently and made his way around to the driver's side. He adjusted his suit jacket, which was slightly wrinkled from their evening, then got in and started the engine. The dashboard clock read 10:34 p.m. As they pulled away, the city lights cast a warm glow over them, shadows dancing in the car's interior.

Fatima stifled a yawn, covering her mouth with her hand. Zac noticed and arched an eyebrow. "Tired?"

She nodded, letting out a small sigh. "Yeah... it's been a long day, and I didn't really get a chance to take a nap when we landed. The jet lag's catching up to me."

"Not used to the international lifestyle, huh?" he teased, glancing at her with a grin.

She scoffed, half-smiling. "I travel plenty. Just... not usually under these circumstances." Her voice softened on the last part, and she looked out the window, taking in the city that had become the backdrop of this unexpected chapter.

Zac's hand found hers, his fingers intertwining with hers as he drove. "Hey," he said, his voice gentler now. "You've been rolling with it all like a champ. Plus, you look amazing doing it."

She glanced down at their hands, then up at him, her guard slipping momentarily as she allowed herself to smile. "Thanks, Zac. Tonight was... nice."

"Nice?" he scoffed, his tone playful. "I bring you to one of the finest restaurants in Paris, and all I get is 'nice'?"

She laughed, feeling the warmth of his humor ease the tension in her body. "Okay, fine. It was a great night. I'm glad we did this."

"Better," he replied with a nod of approval, glancing over to catch her gaze before turning his eyes back to the road.

They drove in a comfortable silence for a few moments. Fatima found herself watching him, studying the way he seemed relaxed, as if this was just another night for him. But she knew that for her, it was more. She wasn't sure what it all meant, and that uncertainty gnawed at her.

When they reached the hotel, Zac pulled into the parking area and turned off the engine. He looked over at her, noticing the hint of exhaustion in her eyes.

"You sure you're good?" he asked, voice softened by concern.

She nodded, though the day's events had indeed taken a toll on her. "Yeah. Just need a good night's sleep."

They both stepped out of the car, and Zac came around to grab her hand again as they made their way through the lobby. He noticed how she leaned into him, ever so slightly, and how her hand didn't pull away this time.

In the elevator, they stood close, the warmth of his arm against hers grounding her, she rested her head down on his shoulder. Neither of them spoke, but the comfortable silence felt more intimate than any conversation they'd had all night. The reflection in the elevator's mirrored walls showed them standing side by side, and Fatima allowed herself a brief moment to take in the sight.

As they stepped out and walked toward their room, Zac fished the room key out of his pocket, holding the door open for her. She entered, kicking off her heels with a sigh of relief, and made her way to the window. The Eiffel Tower shimmered in the distance, casting a soft glow into the room.