Page 50 of Mountain Boss

Hopping down from my Jeep,I look around the mostly full parking lot.

It took almost an hour to get here, but it’s hard to complain about a sunny drive through the mountains.

I push the sleeves of my sweatshirt up.

It’s also much warmer down here, at this lower elevation.

I take a deep breath, imagining I can tell the difference and wondering how long it will take before the high elevation of the Lodge stops killing me.

The Lodge…

I know I can’t linger and spend all day here, even if I want to, but I will enjoy myself.

With the list folded in one pocket and the company card in the other, I head toward the massive building, ready to spend Sterling’s money.

Chapter 36

Sterling

Careful not to let go ofthe mattress, I pull the cabin door shut behind me.

It takes some maneuvering, but I get the mattress behind me, grip the sides, and then bend forward so I’m carrying it like a disproportionate turtle shell.

Retracing my steps, I stay as hidden as possible as I dodge low branches. And when I reach the edge of the woods, I stand still for a moment, listening. But since I don’t hear anyone, I break from my cover and stride across the driveway.

I don’t run into anyone, but by the time I’m at the front door of the Laundry Cabin, my lower back is about two steps away from spasming.

Lucky for me, there are three steps before I’m inside.

“This is your penance, you old fuck,” I grumble to myself with my forehead pressed against the door.

I should’ve put the mattress down and then opened the door. But… I’m a stubborn dumbass.

Shifting to the side, I tighten my grip with my left hand and let go of the mattress with my right.

The mattress immediately starts to slip, so I twist thedoorknob as fast as possible and use my head to shove the door open as I reach back to stop the mattress from completely falling.

The weight tries to pull me back, so I bend forward even more.

But the width of the mattress is wider than the doorframe.

I stumble one step to the side and catch my balance before I fall off the edge of the damn stairs.

Focus.

Taking a breath, I stand up straighter, then angle myself so I’m shuffling sideways through the door.

As soon as I clear the threshold, I drop the mattress, letting the bottom edge fall to the floor, then flop against the dryers.

My phone chimes in my pocket with a text, and I take it as a sign to take a break.

Not that I need a break.

I could easily carry this mattress into the bedroom right now.

My muscles are barely even warm.

I kick the door shut as I read the text from Rocky, giving me the email address forhis mattress guy.

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