Page 227 of Mountain Boss

I take another step back.

“That’s all,” I whisper.

He dips his chin. “Good.”

Anger sneaks through the hurt swirling inside me. “Good?”

“Yeah, Cookie.” He takes a step toward me. “That’s really fucking good.”

“What—”

Before I can ask him what the fuck he means, he takes another step,bends, wraps his strong arms around my hips, and scoops me up and over his shoulder.

“Sterling,” I hiss.

He doesn’t say anything, just starts walking.

“Sterling, what are you doing?” I try to look around. “Someone might see us.”

“Good.”

Goodis becoming my new most hated word.

I press my hands against his lower back to steady myself as I bounce against his shoulder.

I hear the change as he steps onto the gravel of the driveway.

“I will tickle you.” I threaten him with the only thing I can think of.

Because what in the actual hell is he doing?

“You wouldn’t dare.” His tone is completely calm now.

I reach for his sides.

He slaps my ass.

“Mr. Black,” I snap.

“You only call me that in bed.” He soothes his hand over the spot he spanked. “And not today. Today it’s Sterling.”

Chapter 171

Sterling

With my womanover my shoulder, I feel lighter than I have in a long time.

She likes me.

Courtneylikesme.

And she’s not leaving.

Not now. And if I can play my cards right, not in two months.

“If you want to talk more, we can go inside.” Courtney is trying to use areasonablevoice. And it makes me grin.

I shift my grip on her, sliding my hand from where it was looped around outside of her thighs to between her legs.

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