Page 207 of Mountain Boss

“When did he…?”

I move toward them, hands outstretched.

My stairs aren’t wide. And the top step is hardly bigger than the other steps. But more than once, I’ve been nervous about falling off them.

And now…

I grip a railing in either hand.

I try to shake them.

They don’t move.

This man.

I turn, intending to go to Sterling’s front door to thank him in person.

But then I remember him mentioning that call.

I don’t know what time that was supposed to be or if he’d still be on it, but I don’t want to interrupt his work.

Honestly, sometimes I forget that being hereiswork.

But Black Mountain Lodge is Sterling’s business. His livelihood. His way of paying his employees.

I bite my lip.

I won’t knock on his door, but I will send a text. Even though the idea seemed so absurd a moment ago.

Because I can, I climb to the second step, then lean against the railing before I take my phone out of my pocket.

Me: Thank you for the railings.

Not in a hurry, I continue to lean, tipping my head back and breathing in the evening air.

My phone vibrates a minute later.

Boss: You’re welcome.

Boss: I’ll be out late tonight. Behave yourself.

I purse mylips.

I always behave myself.

And what does he mean he’ll beout late?

It can’t be with another woman, right?

And does late mean he’ll be late climbing into my bed while I’m asleep again? Or is it late like he’ll be tired and go straight to his own bed?

I shake my head and slide my phone back in my pocket.

No need to jump to conclusions.

If I don’t see him tonight, I’ll see him tomorrow.

I don’t seehim tomorrow.

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