Page 222 of Mountain Boss

It’s an unfair balance of power.

It’s unethical.

If I could tell them she was my girlfriend… Maybe that would be better.

But right now, telling them I’m just sleeping with her feels wrong.

Then again, treating her like she was just another employee felt fucking horrible.

I scrub a hand down my face.

Maybe if I had remembered what today was, I could’ve talked toher. Maybe set some expectations or something. But I’d completely forgotten.

It wasn’t until I got a text letting me know they were on their way that I realized it was my night to host.

So I had thirty minutes to clean up my living room and dig through my freezer to make sure I had enough frozen pizzas on hand to throw in the oven.

We watch most of the football games at the Inn, but we each take turns hosting once throughout the season.

Since my schedule is so chaotic, I don’t get to watch most of the games, but tonight is my night. And it was too last minute to cancel.

“Anyone need anything?” I ask as I push up from my chair.

Everyone shakes their heads, plates still half full.

In the kitchen, I look out the window in the direction of the firepit.

I can’t see it from here, but I hope Courtney is there.

I hope she’s enjoying herself.

And I hope the look I saw on her face wasn’t real.

I hope I didn’t hurt her.

Chapter 166

Courtney

Alone in my bed,I let myself feel everything I did my best to block out this evening.

I let myself feel the disappointment.

In myself.

In Sterling.

I pull the blankets up to my chin and roll onto my side.

It’s always my bed.

Always my cabin.

Always on his terms.

Clasping my hands together, I close my eyes.

I thought I could let it play out. But I’m not even done with my first month here.

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