Page 140 of Mountain Boss

Tears I can’t explain away drip down my cheeks, and I unlock the deadbolt.

The thud is solid.

The lock sturdy.

When I open the door, something falls onto my feet.

My clipboard.

Keeping a hand on the door, I bend down and pick it up.

There’s a new page clipped over the rest.

The cabins are ready.

Guests arriving at three.

Dinner at five.

Rest until then.

That’s an order, Cookie.

PS the deadbolt code is 5683

I clutch the clipboard to my chest.

And my heart thumps an extra beat for Mr. Black.

Chapter 107

Courtney

The pinchon my fingertip jerks my attention away from the Food Hall ahead of me.

Forcing my hands to relax, I take a breath and keep my steps steady.

I got through a shower and back to my cabin before the guests started to arrive. Then I took a nap after eating some soup, resting like Sterling ordered me to do.

But now it’s dinnertime.

If it’s the same as last time, the employees will mostly eat together tonight. But I’m not worried about seeing my coworkers.

Just my boss.

And notworriedexactly. I’m excited to see Sterling. Just not excited to talk to him.

Voices sound behind me, more people heading this way for dinner, but none of them sound like Sterling, so I keep my gaze forward as I open the door and enter the Food Hall.

The room is crowded and loud with chatter.

I think it’s two groups at the same time again, based on the way the tables are filling. And like I’d hoped, the farthest table is just Black Mountain employees.

It only takes a second to spot Sterling.

His back is to me as he stands at the counter, talking to Cook.

His shoulders are stretching the limit of his green and gray flannel.

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