Page 78 of Mountain Boss

The reason I have a roof over my head.

The reason I’ll eventually have more food in my cupboard.

And even though I’m nearly positive that sex with Sterling Black would be…chef’s kiss, it’s not worth losing my job over.

I open my eyes and look at the dark ceiling.

Would it really be jeopardizing my job?

It’s not like Sterling is going to fire me for some fraternization rule over sleeping with the boss whenheis the boss.

I shake my head.

I can’t sleep with my boss.

I’m living here for the next two months and three weeks. That would be a long fling. And if we’re doingthat,but then something happens and we’re not doingthatanymore, I’d still have to see him.

Or worse, I’d have to watch him bring women home.

I make a face.

We’ve barely interacted, but the idea of seeing him walk into his house with another woman already fills me with slimy green jealousy.

If we slept together…

I heave out a sigh and roll onto my side, adjusting into my usual sleep position.

It’s not a good idea.

Now, if it gets to the end of the year and I’m about to leave… then all bets are off.

Chapter 56

Sterling

The bark is rough,even through my shirt, as I lean against the tree.

This is my favorite part of the morning, watching Courtney enjoy her cup of coffee on the Food Hall patio.

Sure, out of context, it might seem creepy. But I’m an employer making sure my employee is doing her job. And her drinking a cup of coffee after making a pot for the crew is quality control.

I’m just supervising.

From a distance.

Today, she’s standing, her hip leaned against a picnic table.

Other days, she’ll sit on one of the benches facing the woods.

She doesn’t look as tired as she did those first few mornings. And now that I know what she was sleeping on, it makes sense.

And it makes me feel like shit all over again.

I tap my fingers against the side of my coffee mug.

I should go talk to her. Explain that the missing mattress was an accident.

It doesn’t have to get heated.

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