Page 39 of The Rancher's Second-Choice Wife

Joel placed a hand over his chest. “You look absolutely stunning, Ms. Cortez. That gown seems made for you.”

Joel was the private butler assigned to her suite, and the man had been a godsend, just like Valerian had told her he would be. When she had shyly asked him for assistance in finding a gown, Joel had come up with an entire rack for her to choose from, not to mention an assortment of shoes and accessories as well.

“Isn’t it too revealing?” Poppy asked nervously.

“It is—”

“Joel!”

“But that is how it should be, Ms. Cortez. After all, our goal is to turn Mr. Rossfield’s head, yes?”

And so despite her own misgivings, Poppy allowed Joel to convince her to stick with the strapless form-hugging gown and a pair of crystal stilettos to match. Joel had also insisted she take a gold necklace with a heart-shaped pendant, which the butler slyly assured her would draw Valerian’s eyes straight to her décolletage.

“Mr. Rossfield just texted. The hotel’s Italian restaurant, La Serenata, will be closed to the public tonight. Your handsome gentleman has booked the entire place for your date.”

Poppy’s heart started pounding as she followed Joel’s lead. It still seemed so surreal to have Valerian go through so much effort...for her.

Please God, please let this not be a dream.

A pair of waiters were waiting by the restaurant’s garden entrance, and the two men bowed to her in greeting before throwing the double doors open.

“Shit.”

The whispered word came from Valerian, and hearing his initial reaction to her would’ve broken her heart...if Poppy didn’t also happen to see the expression on his handsome face.

I can’t believe this is real.

After eight long months of feeling invisible—

Valerian was looking at her like she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

Was this truly real?

And as if to answer her question, she then heard Valerian say for the second time—

“Shit.”

****

THE SOUND OF POPPY’S shaken laugh was like a kick to the balls. It didn’t just bring Valerian back to his senses, but it also made him realize what he had said.

Twice.

Color darkened his cheeks.

Get a grip, Rossfield!

He took a step towards her...and nearly ended up tripping. Over his own damn feet.

What the hell?

Poppy was visibly struggling not to smile when he finally reached her, and a grimace flashed over his features. Considering how he had inexplicably turned into a clumsy idiot in the past minute, he should consider it a blessing he hadn’t yet turned her off.

“Are you okay?” Poppy asked.

“My ego had seen better days, obviously.”

“Oh.”

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