Page 42 of Mountain Boss

There’s a shopping list of groceries, a business membership credit card tucked under the clip, and a scrawled note across the bottom of the page that says

Use the card to fill up your gas tank.

I blink at that last line, reading it over and over.

Gratefulness he doesn’t deserve lifts some of the weight off my shoulders.

He might not realize it, and this might just be standard policy, but my boss just handed me a lifeline.

It’s not enough for me to suddenly afford a mattress. But it’s a free scouting mission.

And it’s a trip to the Costco food court.

My stomach grumbles simply at the thought of a slice of pizza.

With a genuine smile on my face, I look over at Spike.

“We’re gonna eat good today.”

Chapter 32

Sterling

I watchthe brake lights disappear as Courtney maneuvers down the driveway.

I saw her look my way when she first found the clipboard.

She didn’t see me, didn’t notice the face in the kitchen window.

But I saw the way she smiled. And I saw her say something out loud over her shoulder, like she was talking to someone inside.

I also saw her walking back from the showers.

Her hair in damp braids.

The jeans she was wearing the first time I saw her back on and clinging to her ass.

I made sure to turn away before she got close.

Not needing to know how she smelled right out of the shower.

Not needing a scent memory to torment me alongside the regular memories of Courtney when I go to bed tonight.

Except…

I glance around, confirming no one else is nearby.

Except I need to know more about her.

I step off the driveway and onto the path leading toward the Laundry Cabin.

She’s my employee.

I’m responsible for her, whether I want to be or not.

And there’s something about her that says she needs help.

But I can’t help her until I understand her.

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