The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 224

The late afternoon sun shone warmly through Ethan's kitchen as Rayna stood by the counter, chopping fresh parsley for the pasta sauce she was preparing.

The sound of the knife against the cutting board filled the room, accompanied by the soft bubbling of the tomato sauce simmering on the stove.

She hummed a happy tune to herself, swaying slightly to the tune as she worked, wholly absorbed in her task.

She had always known that she loved to cook, but cooking for Ethan gave her a sense of satisfaction that she had never known

existed.

She hoped she would be done with dinner before he returned from work at his family's company. He had quit his job, as he said, and resumed at his family's company two months ago.

Suddenly, a firm slap landed on her backside, making her yelp in surprise. She turned quickly, her cheeks flushed, only to see Ethan grinning mischievously.

"Ethan!" she scolded, though she couldn't help the laughter bubbling up from her chest. "Do you have to do that every chance you get?"

Ethan leaned casually against the counter, his arms crossed and his expression unapologetic. "Absolutely. You accused me of doing it when I didn't, so I've decided it's my life's mission to be a shameless pervert- for you, of course." Rayna rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "You should let go of the past."

"Not when that past has you in it. I'm letting go of anything with you in it," he said with a wink as he kissed her.

Rayna giggled, shaking her head as she turned back to her parsley.

"Why didn't I hear you come in?" Rayna asked with her back to him.

"Because I didn't want you to," Ethan said, inhaling the rich aroma of garlic and basil that filled the air and made his mouth water in anticipation. "What can I do?" He asked, looking around for any chore he could do. "You should go freshen up and relax..."

are done," Ethan cut in, and she

You can help me clear the sink and keep me company," she said, grateful that

walking over to the sink

a while, and when he was done clearing the sink, he settled on one of the stools by the island. He propped his chin on his hand, watching her with a

was nice," she replied, tossing the parsley into the sauce and stirring it. "We had lunch and caught up. It

had a good time," Ethan

A comfortable silence settled between them for a moment, broken only by the occasional sound of stirring and

contemplated telling Ethan what had been on her mind all week.

it be to say I'm ready now'? she thought, biting her

him. "You

grinned, his eyes lighting up

going well,

pretty smoothly. We just finished up the specs on

going to

smile creeping onto his face. "Wait. I'm rambling.

I

اخ

Rayna turned her hands on her hips. "Babe, I love seeing you this passionate about something. was worked you wouldn't enjoy it and was scared you might have regrets about quitting

his shoulders relaxing. "Fitting in wasn't the issue," he said. "Shipbuilding is in

she said as she

you

you. I'd just keep trying my hand at everything until I find something else I love to do that wouldn't keep

she sighed with contentment as he kissed her nape. Moments

they both went in to freshen up together before sitting down

that it was time to tell him what she