Page 11 of The Rancher's Second-Choice Wife

Chapter Five

POPPY: He bought me coffee. I need you to convince me that it's no big deal.

Heather: It's REALLY not a big deal since he bought coffee for everyone.

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POPPY: Do you think it's possible that they'd have broken up without you knowing it?

Heather: No.

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POPPY: My mind already knows this isn't a big deal, but my heart seems to be allergic to logic. He noticed I had my hair cut. It's still NOT a big deal, right?

Heather: No. It's STILL not a big deal because he also noticed George's new necktie, but you don't hear him saying Mr. Rossfield is in love with him, do you? Oh, and one thing you should know about Mr. Rossfield: he's got a photographic memory, and he's obsessed at keeping it "sharp".

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POPPY: He told me he was in a bad mood. He obviously didn't want me to think he hated me or something. He cares about what I think, but I know you're going to say nothing he does is a big deal.

Heather: But this is a big deal.

Poppy: I can't believe you just said that.

Heather: Because it's true. You do remember that the last person who tried to kill him was the one who used to cut his hair? So of course he'd care about what you think.

Poppy: I'm starting to get this feeling you're having so much fun bursting my bubble.

Heather: I'm just keeping my end of the bargain. *angel emoji*

Poppy: Typo spotted. Should've been *devil emoji* #ftfy

Heather: Well, if you're really going that far...did I mention that he was in a bad mood because of his girlfriend? Because guess what? SHE's the one he really cares about. #boom

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POPPY CLOSED HER EYES after reading her entire chat history with the billionaire's secretary. It was her way of putting on some mental armor prior to heading out, along with a heartfelt prayer to keep her from doing anything she'd regret.

Dear God, I still don't know if it's okay that I keep working for him. I've done my best never to let him linger in my thoughts. But I don't know if that's enough. Is it alright if I keep working here until I've paid off my loan? Please give me a sign if I should quit. Amen.

Poppy dropped her phone back into her pocket and pasted a smile on her lips before going out through the salon's back exit.

"Morning, Ms. Cortez," the billionaire's chauffeur greeted her with a respectful tip of his hat. "Ready to go?"

"Hi, Monty. Where are we heading today?"

The older man's eyes twinkled at her. "Let's just say you're in for a surprise."

And Monty was certainly right, with Poppy torn between laughter and tears when she realized where he had driven her to.

"Seriously?"

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