Page 30 of The Rancher's Second-Choice Wife

Chapter Fourteen

POPPY HAD NEVER FELT so pampered in her life. Heather had arranged for Monty to drive her to the airport the next day, and his big, black, shiny limo had created quite the fuss in her working-class neighborhood.

Poppy, just like everyone else, had vague dreams of traveling. But these were also grounded in reality, with Poppy imagining that she would likely be in her sixties before she could afford to do so. That she would also fly economy was a given, but as God would have it, her first flight turned out to be a lot more magical than she allowed herself to ever dream of.

Valerian had arranged for her to fly in business class, and the perks that came with it had Poppy feeling like she was a child again. Her ideas about the dos and don'ts of flying proved outdated, and there was just so much to discover and enjoy.

For one thing, Poppy had thought Internet access was disabled when aboard a plane, but she was happy to be proven wrong.

Poppy: This is one of the most amazing experiences in my life. Thank you. I just feel guilty I'm having such a great time while you've been burning the midnight oil at both ends.

Valerian: You're already helping me with your messages. I wouldn't be inclined to take a break from work if not for them.

Poppy: Be prepared for a barrage of messages in that case, complete with an unnecessary number of exclamation points!!!

Valerian: You can type everything in uppercase if you wish. I'd still enjoy reading your messages.

Poppy: I never knew you were such a flirt!!!

Valerian: There's a lot of things you don't know about me.

Poppy: There are also plenty of things you don't know about me. You're not the only one who can be mysterious.

Valerian: You won't get any arguments from me about that.

Poppy: I feel like you're insulting me in a really clever way, but whatever. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Poppy: I just want to get to the fun part now, like my "personal" flight attendant telling me that the amenity kit is something I can keep!

Poppy: I mean, how do they even make money if they give stuff like this for free?

Poppy: And I think it's by some famous designer. I don't even know how to read it. That's proof it's expensive, right? Oh, and it has my initials monogrammed, too!!!

Poppy: Did I mention the champagne's free-flowing?

Poppy: And that I can have a shower while onboard?

Poppy: She also gave me loungewear and slippers!

Poppy: It's like a hotel with wings. It's so surreal.

Valerian: It will be even better when I get my jet back. Give me six months, and I promise you'll be a member of the mile-high club.

Fire burst in her cheeks at Valerian's unexpected reply.

Poppy: OKAY.

Poppy had already hit Send before realizing she had no idea why she had even typed the whole word in uppercase. Aargh!

Maria came by her seat and asked if she wanted to try the buffet spread in the lounge bar.

"Do you mean when we touch down?"

"No, Ms. Cortez. We have a lounge in the back." Maria quickly suppressed her smile as the younger woman clapped her hands over her mouth.

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