Page 34 of Mountain Boss

But my hip is against the counter, and my eyes are aimed at the door.

She’s changed. Back to the outfit she wore yesterday. The one that had me staring at her from around corners like a fucking stalker.

Her face is flushed.

Her braids are smooth.

And I know the moment the guys spot her, too, because the room falls silent.

I straighten. “Guys, this is Court.”

Courtney’s eyes dart to mine.

I called her Court earlier as a way to keep distance between us. But also the idea of anyone other than me calling her by her full name… I don’t like it.

So they’ll call her Court too.

But when I’m alone. When I’m thinking about her. She’llbe my Courtney.

The pretty woman raises her hand in a shy wave. “Hello.”

“She’s the new Marty. She’s staying in the Laundry Cabin. And you’ll keep a civil tongue in your mouth when she’s around.” She scrunches her face at my last sentence.

“Oh, that’s not necessary,” she tries to argue.

“It’s necessary,” I say before pointing to the table. “That’s Glen, Simpson, and Leon.” I use my thumb to indicate the men near me. “Cook is behind the counter. And this kid is Fisher.”

I purposefully point out his young age.

He’s not mature enough for her.

She needs someone older.

“Nice to meet you,” the kid says, leaving his plate on the counter and walking over to shake her hand.

I’m tempted to trip him. But I don’t.

Because I’m mature. Unlike him.

Then Courtney smiles at Fisher, and I regret the not-tripping.

Chapter 29

Courtney

I slumpin my spot on the bench.

The grilled chicken melt with potato salad was as delicious as it smelled, and I’m in definite danger of slipping into a food coma.

“Anyone want more before I put it away?” Cook asks as he gets up from the bench across from me.

Fisher gets up for more potatoes, but the rest of us pass.

Lunch wasn’t nearly as awkward as I expected it to be.

After everyone stood and shook my hand, reminding me of their names, the group spread out over two of the picnic tables, and I ended up in the middle of it all.

They included me but didn’t grill me with questions, and it wasn’t long before I relaxed into my meal.

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