The crisp morning air greeted Ethan as he stepped through the hospital's automatic doors, his injured arm in a sling, Rayna at his side. Melvin had offered a ride, but Ethan declined, assuring him they were fine and that Melvin's presence would only be a distraction. He preferred to be alone with Rayna. His steps were slow but springy as they approached her car, a grin splitting his face, bright as the sun.

Rayna adjusted the strap of his overnight bag and glanced at him sideways. "You're walking like you just got out of prison."

Ethan smirked. "Feels like it. Fresh air, freedom, and you. What more could a man ask for?"

Rayna giggled. "You never stop, do you?"

He nudged her gently with his good arm. "Do you want me to?"

"No, I don't," Rayna replied, smiling.

She walked ahead, opening the passenger door with a flourish. "Your chariot awaits, my lord."

Ethan chuckled. "I should be the one doing this for you," he sighed, settling into the car.

"You will be. This is temporary. I have no intention of playing the man," she said, helping him fasten his seatbelt.

He let her fuss, his gaze fixed on her face. When she finished, he stopped her.

"You missed a spot."

She paused, confused. "What spot?"

"My lips," he replied with a mischievous grin.

Rayna rolled her eyes but leaned in, kissing him softly before pulling back. "All set?"

"Perfect," Ethan murmured, his voice low and tender.

Rayna giggled, closing the door and moving to the driver's side. "So, do you have your stuff in the car?" she asked, since she was moving in with him.

Rayna sighed inwardly. The prospect of moving in, while exciting, felt rushed. She hadn't truly considered leaving her own home. She knew moving in with Ethan now likely meant she wouldn't return to her place after his recovery, as he'd want to marry quickly.

"Are you okay?" Ethan asked when she didn't respond. She turned to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Some of my things are in the trunk," she said. Ethan watched her, sensing something was amiss.

"Is something bothering you?" he asked. She shrugged.

"Not really," she said, unwilling to discuss it. She'd figure it out later. Perhaps she could return to her place after he recovered and returned to work.

Ethan wondered what she was thinking but, respecting her silence, decided to wait.

They arrived at Ethan's home. Rayna parked and quickly moved to his side to help him out.

"I'm not an invalid," Ethan protested as she opened his door.

"Maybe not, but your argument is invalid. See what I did there?" she winked, and Ethan chuckled at her wit.

"Now listen," Rayna said, her expression serious. "If you keep claiming you can do everything yourself, that means I'm not needed, so I might as well leave. If you want this arrangement to work, you must let me nurse you."

"Alright. I'll let you nurse me. You can bathe me and even take me to the restroom," he said, and Rayna laughed.

"Good. Now hush and let me help you," she said, taking his bag and supporting him as they entered the house. The familiar warmth of his home relaxed him visibly.

"You're welcome to my abode," Ethan said, and Rayna smiled.

"It's not my first time here," she reminded him, having visited two days prior to assess his kitchen and living space.

"I wasn't here when you came," he countered.

"Couch or bed?" she asked, hands on her hips.

"Neither. Kitchen," Ethan replied immediately. "I need coffee. And my guest needs refreshments."

"Sit down. I'll get the coffee. And I don't need refreshments," she said, turning to leave.

As she turned, Ethan playfully tapped her behind. Rayna gaped at him in surprise.

Ethan grinned. "I figured since you accused me of that at the club and it caused all the problems, I should get a feel for it," he explained with a wink.

Rayna burst into laughter. "Are you out of your mind?" He nodded.

"I must be," he said, "and when my hand heals, we're going back to the club, and I'm going to beat the crap out of the guy who touched my girl's ass," he promised, and Rayna laughed.

"You will do no such thing. Besides, you don't even know him," she said. Ethan shrugged.

"Easy enough. I know the group. I'll make them tell me," he said. Rayna shook her head.

"They might have been there once. And even if not, I'd rather forget it."

He started to argue but stopped under her stern gaze. "Fine," he muttered.

"Good boy. Now wait here while I get your coffee, then I'll get my things from the car," Rayna said, heading to the kitchen.

Ethan sank onto the couch with exaggerated care. "I take my coffee black," he called out.

"I'm aware," she called back.

He leaned back, enjoying the domestic sounds of Rayna in his kitchen. The clinking mugs, the hiss of the coffee machine—it felt so right. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment.

Rayna returned with two mugs, finding him smiling softly. "What's that look for?" she asked, handing him his coffee.

"Just thinking how perfect this is. You. Here. Us," he said, pulling her down beside him. Her cheeks warmed as she sat. "Easy, so you don't hurt yourself."

"I won't hurt myself. I just need a little sugar for my coffee," he said, kissing her. She giggled.

"Why are you so naughty?" she asked when he pulled away. He took a sip.

"Hm. The coffee tastes a lot better. I need more," he said, and she pulled back.

"I need to get my bags," she said. Ethan gave her a puppy-dog look.

"The bags aren't running away, but my coffee will get cold," he said. She rolled her eyes, kissing him before he took another sip, making her grin.

"You have the most kissable lips I've ever kissed," he said, and she raised an eyebrow.

"And how many lips have you kissed?" Rayna asked. Ethan groaned.

"Forget I said that," he said, but she scowled.

"How many?" she repeated.

"Not many. I can't even remember names or faces," he said, and she eyed him skeptically.

"How many ladies have you dated?"

"Didn't you want to get the bags?" Ethan asked. Rayna smiled sweetly.

"I can't leave now. You want some sugar for your coffee, remember?" she asked. Ethan chuckled.

"I love you, Ray. I think I might quit my job and join Melvin in the family business so I don't have to be away from you," he said, making her gasp.

"I didn't put alcohol in your coffee, so I know you're not drunk. Why are you saying things you don't mean?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Do I look like the kind of guy who says things he doesn't mean?" he asked gently.

Rayna smiled, her fingers brushing his good hand. "No. You're too blunt for that." "Exactly." Ethan leaned closer, his eyes meeting hers. "I'm serious, Ray. This being with you, it's everything I didn't know I needed."

Her throat tightened. "But you love your job."

"Yeah. But I love you more. The thought of being away from you for months isn't appealing. It might have worked if I didn't love you, but I'm really into you. And I'm so damned clingy. I get sick when you're away for so long. If I get sick on the ship, I can't do my work," he said. Rayna laughed, tears welling up.

"Ethan you're going to make me cry."

"Good tears, I hope," he whispered, resting his forehead against hers.

"The best tears," she replied, her voice shaky with warmth.

"I also want to be with my family. I want to be with you when you're pregnant and through every phase. I think you're going to be very sexy when you're pregnant," he said, making her feel butterflies.

"When you talk about pregnancy, you make me think about the act that leads to it," she said, and Ethan chuckled.

"I want you to think about it," he said, kissing her softly and slowly.

When they separated, Rayna rested her head on his shoulder, careful of his arm.

"Let's just stay like this," Ethan murmured.

"For as long as you want," Rayna replied, considering his willingness to give up his job for her, while she still hesitated about leaving her home.