Page 23 of Mountain Boss

Since the amount was listed as weekly, I’m hoping the pay is weekly. But I’ll have to find someone to ask.

Someone other than my surly boss.

My stomach gives a twist, reminding me I’m hungry.

Along with leaving my food in the Jeep overnight, I also left my kettle and instant coffee, so I am both hungry and un-caffeinated. Which is practically a crime.

I won’t take food out of the pantry behind me because that feels far too much like stealing, but Mr. Black did say I was making coffee for everyone.

I purse my lips.

Everyone does include me, right?

I only stand in indecision for approximately four minutes before I cave and snag one of the metal coffee cups out of the cupboard.

The pot is heavy, and I embarrass myself with how much I struggle to pour it, but I manage to do it without spilling.

Winning.

Careful to hold the cup by the handle, I tiptoe to the window that faces Mr. Black’s house.

I don’t know what I expect to see, but I don’t see him. Or the house. Just trees.

Feeling safe from prying eyes, I step back and finally take a sip of coffee.

My eyes start to close but open wide as I swallow.

“Damn, that’s good.”

I stare down into the brown liquid.

Clearly, I made it correctly, but this is more than the machinery at work. This is good coffee.

My eyes move back to the window.

So, Mr. Black is a dick. But he still buys quality coffee beans for his employees.

Interesting.

Chapter 18

Sterling

I watchCourtney as she hugs a large box to her chest and uses her hip to shove her Jeep door closed.

It’s 12:10. And ever since she stepped out of the Food Hall this morning, after mastering the coffee maker, she’s been working.

I wasn’t being weird. I just happened to be close enough to see her head to her Jeep, and curiosity kept me watching.

I expected her to maybe finish unpacking her stuff, but she surprised me when she took a toolbox out of her vehicle.

A real one that looked heavy and banged-up and wasn’t just for show or painted some wild color.

She carried it into her cabin, then reappeared with a screwdriver sticking out of her pocket.

I had to bite my lip.

Becausefuck me,a girl with tools is hot.

---