Page 125 of Mountain Boss

Sterling

I pacethe length of my kitchen for the fifth time, two mugs of coffee in hand.

Mine and hers.

I stop and stare down at the drinks.

What am I doing?

I don’t know how she takes her coffee.

And I can’t just randomlystart bringing one of my six employees coffee in the morning. Not to mention this particular employee is the one who makes coffee for everyone every day.

Big Joe.

I almost smile thinking about the jealousy that stormed through me when I thought she was talking about a man.

It was obviously misplaced, but the jealousy was real.

The way I feel about her is real.

A growl builds in my chest.

This is my property. My business.My Courtney.

I should be able to do whatever I want.

Considering the two coffees, I decide I can be subtle.

Lifting the mug filled with my black coffee, I chug it down, the hot liquid scorching its way down my throat. Then I pull open thecupboard next to the sink, take down one of my insulated Black Mountain Lodge travel tumblers, and pour the lighter, sweeter brew inside.

With the lid secured, no one will be able to tell it’s not my usual drink.

Satisfied with my sneakiness, I stride out of my house, ready to see what my little worker is up to.

After getting sidetrackedby fucking everyone, I finally spot Courtney walking between two of the cabins.

She’s weighted down with a huge pile of bedding, tilting to the side, and wearing a maroon winter hat pulled low on her head.

I stand still, watching her, lifting the cup of coffee to my mouth. Before I remember it’s her coffee and… I don’t have to watch from a distance anymore.

I can touch her now.

Grinning, I stride toward her.

Then I pick up my pace to a jog when she stumbles.

She’s at the steps of the next cabin when I reach her.

“Courtney,” I say quietly as I scoop the pile of sheets out of her grasp with one arm. “Make more trips.”

“Huh? Oh, sure.” She sounds confused.

I lower the bundle so I can see her pretty face. And I frown. “What’s wrong?”

“Hm?” Her brows lift. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

She’s not fine.

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