Page 202 of Mountain Boss

I get into the back of the line and arrange it so I’m getting slices off the tray in front of Courtney.

She seems extra small today, standing all the way over there, on the other side of the counter.

Or maybe the small feeling is more equated to fragility. And my fear of something bad happening to her.

I give myself a mental punch in the face.

She’s right here.

Right in front of me.

And this morning, mere hours ago, she was underneath me.

Alive as ever with my seed streaked across her back.

Courtney presses her lips together, trying to stop a smile. And failing.

“Court.” I dip my chin.

“Hi.” It comes out a little breathy. She clears her throat. “Um, how much would you like?”

It’s my turn to press my lips together.

She rolls her eyes. “How many slices of pizza?”

I hold my plate out. “As much as you can fit.”

Shaking her head, she piles five squares on my plate.

Since it’s just the employees in here, everyone is spread out over two tables rather than crammed onto one. Giving us more elbow room.

I pick the only empty bench, sitting across from Fisher, ensuring that Courtney can sit next to me if she’d like. And it only takes a minute before she sets her plate down to the left of mine.

But instead of sitting, she goes back behind the counter.

Curious, I watch as she pulls out a rectangular metal pan from a hidden shelf under the counter.

My brows pull together as she carries it over and sets it on the end of our table.

“What’s that?” Leon calls from the far end of the other table.

I don’t look over at him.

Because all of my attention is focused on the large pan next to me that’s filled with… cake.

I slowly lift my gaze up to Courtney.

She’s looking across at Leon. “It’s a cake.”

“What kind?” Simpson asks.

“Funfetti with cream cheese frosting.” Courtney picks up a knife and starts to cut the cake into slices.

“Fun what?” Leon asks.

“Funfetti.” Fisher repeats Courtney’s answer.

Cook brings over a stack of small side plates and sets them down next to Courtney.

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