Page 233 of Mountain Boss

Stopping across from Cook, Sterling lets go of my hand, then places his palm on my lower back. “You first.”

I relax my shoulders.

I stop biting my lip.

I lift my head.

And I smile.

Because Cook is smiling.

Beaming.

And it’s the exact reaction I needed.

I don’t know what expression everyone else is making, but knowing Cook is happy is enough for me.

He holds out a plate for me, piled high with pasta smothered in a pink sauce.

I take it, not saying anything because I can’t think of the right thing to say.

And because I’m not sure I can speak just yet.

Sterling slides his palm up my spine, stopping when his hand is at the base of my neck.

It’s a soothing move. But also a claiming move.

And even though I’m too chicken to turn around, I’m certain all eyes are still on us. And these touches… They won’t go unnoticed.

“Just no making out in my kitchen, alright?” Cook holds a plate out to Sterling.

The man beside me takes the offered plate with his free hand. “No promises.”

I nudge my elbow into Sterling’s ribs. “We promise.”

Cook winks at me. “Already his better half.”

My cheeks, which were already warm, flare even hotter.

We haven’t even had the discussion about labels yet, even though I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say Sterling is my boyfriend now.Pretty sure. But calling him my better half seems a bit intense.

Sterling just grunts, then uses his hold on me to turn both of us so we’re facing the tables.

And like I suspected, everyone is watching us.

Some of them look serious. Some have smiles on their faces. But we all stare at each other until Sterling speaks.

“Any questions?”

That’s it.

Any questions?

I almost roll my eyes.

Leon raises his hand.

Sterling sighs, presumably over the hand raising. “Yes, Leon?”

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