Page 178 of Mountain Boss

“I’m sorry.” My voice is hoarse.

Her smile wavers, but she keeps it from falling. “It all worked out. So, when did you buy the Lodge?” She changes the topic.

I feel like a piece of shit. And I want to apologize for my behavior, but if she doesn’t want to talk about it, I won’t force it. “I bought the land when I was thirty, then spent a few years building my house and the cabins while I continued to work elsewhere. But now, Black Mountain Lodge has been open for twelve years. And in that time, I’ve bought up more property, especially from my old bosses when they retired.”

“That’s pretty clever.” Her expression is impressed, and I like it more than I should.

“Thank you. Most people don’t know it, but all the cabins and camping sites we take guests to… I own them.”

Her brows lift. “Really? Even the guys don’t know?”

“Pretty sure they all think I rent them from someone else. And since it keeps them on schedule clearing out and cleaning up…” I shrug. “Why mess with a good thing?”

Courtney snickers. “Clever boy.”

“I have my moments.” I reach back into the cookie bag and take out the one I put back.

“So…” She closes one eye, and I pause with the cookie halfway to my mouth. “How old are you?”

Not expecting the question, I take a moment, trying to remember how old I am, before I answer. “Forty-six.”

She smiles. “Forget for a minute?”

I grunt and bite the cookie.

“When’s your birthday?” She asks me what should’ve been the obvious next question.

But I’m still caught off guard.

And I don’t want to tell her.

But I can’t really refuse.

Chapter 134

Courtney

“October fifth,”Sterling tells me.

“Oh, that’s…” My smile fades.

That was this month. A few days after I started.

Was that the day we got the new mattresses?

Time has been a blur since I got here, but I would’ve remembered if anyone said anything. I was definitely eating in the Food Hall by then.

And no one said anything.

Did anyone even know?

“It’s not a big deal, Cookie.” Sterling’s voice is soft.

He can probably read the emotions as they cross my features.

“Does anyone know?” I keep my voice just as soft.

“Don’t think so. No reason to.” He sounds like he means it. Unbothered.

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