Page 245 of Mountain Boss

I shake my head and force my mouth into a smile. “No, that’s fine.”

Movement past Dale catches my attention.

Simpson is striding toward us, concern written all over his face.

“Court, you good?” he calls out.

Dale lets go of my hand and turns toward the newcomer.

“I’m good.” My tone is fake, but I keep my smile in place as I gesture to the man in front of me. “This is Dale.”

Dale holds his hand out.

Simpson shakes it but keeps looking at me.

I wet my lips. “He’s the new maintenance person.”

Simpson rears his head back.

I shake mine, needing him to accept this.

I don’t want to make a scene.

“Could you show him where to park?” My question is a plea.

I need Dale away from my—Sterling’shouse.

I need him away from me.

Simpson nods, and I don’t wait around for more.

Spinning, I hurry back up the steps, Ben on my heels, as I rush back inside.

My replacement is here.

I close the door, then lean against it as I suck in air.

Sterling wouldn’t do this.

He wouldn’t just replace me and kick me out.

I lift the phone to my ear. “Sterling?” I whisper.

“Court—”

The connection is choppy.

It sounds like he’s moving.

I don’t have much time before I’ll lose him. So I ask the only question that matters right now. “Did you know?”

His harsh breaths come over the line. “I—” His answer breaks up. But the next part comes through clear. “I forgot.”

Then the call drops completely.

I forgot.

NotI didn’t know.

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