Page 43 of Mountain Boss

Which is what I keep telling myself as I approach the steps to her front door.

I stare at the knob for a long moment.

The fact that it’s not locked—because it doesn’t lock—makes me feel like an asshole, because even though no one here would do her harm, it’s the only building that doesn’t lock.

But that’s because we never needed it locked. No one is going to steal laundry. And the only time anyone sleeps in it is when they’re sick and the rest of the Bunk House doesn’t want to hear coughing all night.

It’s been months since anyone slept here, so it’s not like it’s contaminated. It’s just a convenient place to stash the female.

Also, thenot lockeddetail serves to make this feel a little less like breaking and entering.

Plus, the cabin is mine.

I own it.

I own everything here.

So is it really trespassing…?

Before my conscience can remind me why this is wrong, and before any of the guys can catch me, I climb the steps in one stride and open the door.

Chapter 33

Courtney

When I turnonto the main road, I hit play on my phone and set it in the cupholder.

My car stereo might not work, but the cupholder acts as an amplifier, making the music loud inside my Jeep.

I don’t own headphones, and since I don’t want to be adistraction,I don’t listen to music while I work. But now, on my way to Costco, with a full tank of gas on the horizon, I play it as loud as it will go.

Chapter 34

Sterling

Oranges and flowers.

I take a deep inhale as I close my eyes.

I didn’t want to know. Didn’t need to know what she smelled like fresh out of the shower.

But now I do.

Fucking oranges and flowers.

Some combination of shampoo and lotion. And I want to fill my palm with the scent before I wrap my fingers around my dick.

I open my eyes.

I will not jerk off in Courtney’s cabin.

Thinking about how she spoke back through the open cabin door earlier, I clear my throat.

I feel stupid talking to the empty space, but I do it anyway. “Hello?”

No one answers. Obviously.

I shake my head. This girl is always talking to herself, so I shouldn’t be surprised she talks to her damn cabin too.

---