Page 220 of Mountain Boss

That should not have been so hot.

My back is starting to ache from lugging laundry around, and I’m excited to be nearly done.

But voices I don’t recognize have my steps slowing.

All the guests left earlier, after lunch.

A lunch where I spent the entire time looking at my plate, not making eye contact with anyone. Certain if I did, they’d know what had happened between Sterling and me in the shed.

It was uncomfortable, and I’d rather not think about it, but the point is, there shouldn’t be any unknown voices here.

When I reach the driveway, I see them.

Parked in front of Sterling’s house is a pair of pickups. And next to the trucks are three men I don’t recognize, plus Sterling.

They’re talking. Casual stances.

One of the guys is holding a Crock-Pot, another has a case of beer in each hand.

Friends.

They look like a group of friends.

And I can’t help but wonder why Sterling didn’t tell me he was having people over.

I mean, we were a little busy when we were together earlier.

But he didn’t mention it at lunch either. Or at least not that I heard.

And if his friends brought food, I doubt Sterling is coming to the bonfire tonight.

A tiny voice in the back of my head wonders if he’ll invite me to join him and his friends inside.

Still walking, my movement must catch Sterling’s attention because his eyes lift to meet mine.

The shift in his gaze does not go unnoticed. And all heads turn to face me.

Me. With my arms full of dirty sheets and my hairline frizzy with sweat.

Looking my best.

The only guy not holding something lifts his hands. “Hi, there.”

I smile at him, hoping it doesn’t look as strained as it feels. “Hello.”

This is not how I wanted to be introduced to Sterling’s friends.

The other two nod in my direction, one of them grinning. “And who might you be?”

“Oh, um.” I glance at Sterling.

“This is Court.”Sterling uses my work name. To his friends.“She’s the new maintenance person.”

The new maintenance person.

I roll my lips together.

Something hot wraps around my heart.

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