Page 130 of Mountain Boss

The temperature inside is basically the same as outside, but maybe it’s not so bad.

As I shuffle to my bed, I pull all the curtains open.

At this point, the sunlight isn’t going to be enough to keep me awake, and maybe it will heat the place by a few degrees.

Leaning against the bunk, I paw at my laces until I can kick my boots off.

I put my hand on the step stool to climb into bed but pause long enough to strip off my work pants and replace them with my sweats.

Leaving the rest of the layers on, I finally flop onto my mattress.

It’s firmer than I remember, but it’s not enough to keep me awake.

Eyes closing, my last thought is of Sterling.

And the way he hugged me.

Chapter 105

Sterling

I slamthe dryer closed and hit start.

All the beds are made in the guest cabins.

The guys helped me get everything sorted, and I washed the dirty bedding in my laundry room so I wouldn’t disturb Courtney. But now it’s well past dark, and I haven’t seen her since this morning.

She didn’t come out for lunch, and I never got to give her the coffee I made.

With the final load of sheets going, I grab a can of beef stew out of my pantry.

I know chicken noodle is the typical sick nourishment, but this is the only flavor I have.

I’m a simple man.

A man not prepared for caretaking.

The can weighs heavy in my hand as I walk the trail to the Laundry Cabin.

With Courtney’s darkened windows in sight, I start to second-guess myself.

There are no lights on in the cabin, and I don’t want to wake her, but I need to get my eyes on her. Just to make sure she hasn’t gotten worse.

As I open her front door, I remember the new lock I have sitting on my kitchen table.

I’ll install that tomorrow.

The door opens with a quiet creak, but silence greets me.

I step inside and kick my boots off.

I told myself I would just check on her. But I know I’ll stay for a while.

There’s no way for me to stop myself.

The curtains are all open, letting in enough dim moonlight to light my way.

I’m halfway to the bedroom when I realize how fucking cold it is in here.

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