Page 244 of Mountain Boss

I blink, forcing away the dampness building in my eyes.

“Sterling—” a noise drags my attention to the kitchen window.

“Courtney, I?—”

“Sorry, hold on, someone is here.” I watch as a somewhat beat-up blue SUV pulls up to a stop in front of the house.

“What do you mean? Who is it?” Sterling’s tone has completely changed. Going on alert.

“I don’t know.” I keep watching as a man, about my age, exits the vehicle. “It’s a guy. He parked in front of the house. Are you expecting anyone today?”

“No. Do you recognize him?”

I focus on the man’s face. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Keep me on the phone. I’m going to text Simpson to come to the house so you aren’t alone with him.” The audio changes, and I picture Sterling switching meto speaker.

“Okay.” His reaction seems a bit overkill, but I do like the protectiveness. “I’m going to hold you at my side.”

The man outside is looking around, but I know it’s only a matter of moments before he climbs the steps to the front door. And I’d rather meet him outside the house than on the threshold, so I hurry across the kitchen and swing the door open.

Sterling says something, but I can’t make it out.

“Hello.” I greet the stranger.

Ben slips out the door with me but stays by my side.

The man lifts a hand. “Hey, there. I’m looking for a Sterling Black.”

He’s being friendly, but I stick to a partial truth. “Right place, bad time.” I smile to soften it. “He’s busy at the moment, can I help you?”

The man approaches the base of the stairs, hand out, so I hurry down the steps to meet him.

“I’m Dale Norton.” I place my hand in his as he speaks. “I’m a few days early, but I’m the new maintenance guy.”

I stare at the man, Dale, not comprehending.

“Sorry, what?” I croak.

The new maintenance guy.

A few days early.

Panic starts to claw at my throat.

He’s here for my job.

My contract that ends December thirty-first.

My…

My heart fucking aches.

A muffled sound comes from my phone.

But my ears are ringing. And I can’t make it out.

“Marty said it shouldn’t be a problem to come a couple days early. Said a bunk should be open.” Dale sounds a lot less upbeat than a moment ago, and I’m sure the devastation I feel is showing on my face.

---