Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 106: Dinner Date 2

"What about you?" he asked, leaning in a little. "You said you’re a blogger. What kind of stuff do you write about?"

"Everything," she said with a small shrug. "People. Moments. Life. I’m a professional overthinker, so writing is how I keep myself from exploding." f .r e\ewebnov(e)(l).c om

"That sounds poetic," he said, genuinely intrigued.

"Poetic, sure. But sometimes it’s just me ranting about how laundry should count as cardio or why cereal at night is the peak of adulthood."

Ethan laughed—a deep, rich sound that made something flutter in her chest. She liked the way he laughed. Like he wasn’t just being polite. Like he got her.

They talked through dinner, trading stories—some light, some surprisingly personal. Ethan told her about growing up in Zeden, the long hours building his company, and how he almost lost it once to a terrible investment.

She told him about her childhood in Zeden and how her parents had moved to Florittle when she was fifteen, her love for words, and how she once accidentally sent a love poem meant for her crush to her high school math teacher.

"You did not," he said, eyes wide with amusement.

"Oh, I did," she groaned. "Mr. Daniels thought it was a prank. I almost died."

He chuckled. "You’re full of surprises," he said, still smiling.

"I try."

As they finished their meals, Rayna noticed something shift. It wasn’t just that the conversation had gotten easier—it was him. He wasn’t just handsome. Or charming. He was... kind. Thoughtful. And he listened. Really listened. Not like he was waiting for his turn to speak, but like he actually cared about her answers. He hadn’t pretended to be this way the other night. It was just who he was.

That was rare. Rarer than it should be. And somehow, it made her feel seen.

As the plates were cleared and the check paid Ethan stood and offered her his hand.

me,"

be crazy but trust me, I’m not having sex in

today least of all in a restroom. Just....

words," she said,

the parking lot, but around the restaurant, to a small garden patio tucked behind the building. String lights dangled from the trees, and there was a

the fish

of the place," he said. "Most

she said softly.

thought you’d

was yet to see the best part," she said, and he

him, her voice quieter now. "Why did you want to see me again, Ethan? After all that

I told myself it was just a night. Just a coincidence. But when I saw you again last week, I knew I had

each other

my calls when you could’ve said no. You gave me your contact info. That means there’s

She wasn’t used to this—people being so open, so honest. It scared her a little. But it

whispered. "Let’s see if we

talking about everything and nothing. She told him about Ruby and her love of quiet mornings. He told her about his niece who wanted to be an astronaut-chef. It was simple. Sweet.

grew cooler, and

home,"

car. You seem to

you. I want to make sure you get home safely," he said, not because he needed to

and he needed to be

a heartbeat, then

car together, and he opened the door for her like it was the most natural thing in the world. After she got in, he went back to his car and followed

he quickly texted her to wait and while she was waiting, he parked at the curb and went to get her door for