The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 144

Rayna sat in her office at her bakery on Wednesday, leaning back in her chair with her legs casually propped on her desk and a silly smile on her face as she chatted with ET over the phone.

The bakery's usual hum of activity filled the background, but Rayna was focused on the conversation.

"So, your turn," Rayna said, twirling a pencil in her hand, "What's one thing you've always wanted in a partner but have never found?"

Ethan's voice came through her phone, warm and relaxed. "Hmm, that's a good one. I think it would be someone who understands me, you know? Not just the surface stuff but what makes me tick. Someone who can challenge me but also be my peace." Rayna smiled, lowering the pencil. "I get that. I'm kind of the same. I need someone who's ambitious but also knows how to relax. Balance is important."

"Exactly! It's all about balance. You get it." Ethan agreed.

"Of course I do," Rayna said with a proud smile.

"Now, your turn. What's your favorite movie of all time? This is important," he said, eager to see if she would tick his box in her movie choice as she had been ticking other boxes.

Rayna's laughter rumbled through the phone, soft and warm. "Oof, that's a tough one. I'd have to go with The Princess Bride. I mean, come on, it's perfect! Romance, adventure, sword fights..."

"Hm. Not a bad choice. Mine is The Matrix. It's a classic," he said, and Rayna smiled, rolling her eyes.

"Predictable. But not bad. I've got another important question for you," she said since they were taking turns asking questions.

"Lay it on me, baby," he said, and she grinned.

Somehow, in the last couple of days, he had switched to calling her baby, and each time he did, she felt warm all over.

"If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?" Rayna's voice carried a playful edge, but Ethan could sense her curiosity.

"My grandfather. He passed away when I was young, but he was the wisest man I knew. I'd love to have just one more conversation with him," Ethan said, his tone softening slightly.

There was a brief silence as Rayna smiled, touched by his answer. "That's really sweet."

"Thanks. What about you?"

tapping the pen against her

have a response as deep as yours," she said, and

and they shared

contented smile. "I'd love to, but I have my

a moment. "Sunday works, but..." he trailed off, thinking

what?" Rayna

the room. "You know, I could come to

surprise. "Wait, what?" Rayna

guess we've never met in person before. I bet we could totally pull it off. We'd walk in, and everyone would just assume we've known each other forever."

it's our

crazy idea," Ethan said,

us the perfect excuse to spend the whole day together. You know what? You're on. Let's do it," she said with a grin that

it. "Maybe because I'm your soul mate, who knows?" She asked, and Ethan

some more... intimate questions?

up, her interest piqued.

a breath, his voice dropping a

let's say...

heat rise in her cheeks but answered confidently. "I'm very affectionate when I feel a strong connection. I like to

sounding pleased. "Me too. I think touch is important in a relationship. For me, it sort of says things

"Things words can't? Like your fist saying

That's not the kind of touch I mean," he said, and

I was just kidding. What else?"

voice softened. "Okay,

it's personal, but it's something we should talk about. believesex is very important ina relationship, especially a

say I have a healthy libido. And

important in a relationship, and believe in being open

I'm open to a lot of things sexually, but I'm NEVER going to be open to anal sex or BDSM. Unless, of course, I'm the one doing

wild, but I think we're totally compatible. I can't believe I found

in her chair. "I can't believe it either.

thought I was going to settle for just anyone that passed my minimum requirement, but