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?"

the pen

Jackson. Sorry, I don't have a response as deep as yours," she said,

the time," He said, and they shared a laugh before Ethan's tone turned curious. "So, what are your plans

smile. "I'd love to, but I have my high school reunion

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

Rayna

laugh filled the room. "You know, I could come to the reunion with you

opened her eyes, blinking in surprise. "Wait, what?" Rayna burst out laughing, shaking her head

before. I bet we could totally pull it off.

it's

it's a crazy idea," Ethan said,

what? You're on. Let's do it," she said with a grin that Ethan could

her lip, considering it. "Maybe because I'm your

response. Now, can I ask you some more... intimate questions? To

up, her interest piqued.

took a breath, his voice dropping

do you feel about, let's say... physical touch? Are you

a little heat rise in her cheeks but answered confidently. "I'm very affectionate when I feel a strong connection. I like to be close to my partner. I could say

important

your fist saying

of touch

just kidding. What else?" She

voice softened.

do you have a high libido? I know it's personal, but it's something we should talk

"I'd say I have a healthy

sexual compatibility is important in a relationship,

things sexually, but I'm NEVER going to be open to anal sex or BDSM. Unless, of course, I'm the one doing the whipping," she said, and Ethan let out a

it either. This might sound wild, but

in her chair. "I can't

I thought I was going to settle for just anyone that

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