Page 90 of Mountain Boss

Glen slaps his hands down on his thighs. “Speaking of, I’m gonna go haul my ass to bed.”

While the guys are giving him shit, Courtney silently stands up.

“Aw, not you too,” Simpson whines at her.

“Sorry. It’s been a long day.” She pulls something out of her pocket. “But I’ll see you all in the morning. Hopefully Big Joe keeps acting sweet to me.”

I stand. “Who the fuck is Big Joe?”

I said that louder than intended, drawing everyone’s attention.

Courtney presses her lips together as she widens her eyes at me.

“Maybe you missed the rule about no sleepovers,” I tell her.

It’s the truth. But that’s more because the guys all share a cabin, and having abedroom guestwould cause all sorts of awkward problems. That’s what the Inn down the mountain is for.

But since Courtney has a cabin to herself, there really isn’t a good reason for her to follow the rule.

Nevertheless, the rule stands.

“Yeah, Court, who is Big Joe?” Cook’s tone is antagonistic.

Courtney turns to him. “Why, Cook, you don’t need to ask. You already know him.”

Everyone’s attention is ping-ponging between the three of us. So at least I’m not alone in not knowing Joe.

“You got a boyfriend?” Leon asks.

My jaw aches with how hard that question makes me clench my teeth.

She better fucking not have a boyfriend.

Courtney huffs, “I do not. And it’s certainly not Big Joe. Becauseheis the oversized coffee maker in the Food Hall.”

Chapter 70

Courtney

“Good night.”I wave at the group of laughing men as I back away from the fire.

Sterling is still standing beside the fire, watching me, when I turn around.

I can’t believe he was acting that jealous over a coffee maker.

I try to think of it as silly, but as soon as he’s out of sight, my heart starts beating faster.

Turning my back on him feels like that time between turning off the lights and jumping into bed. Like an invisible monster is chasing you.

But I won’t run.

Not from this particularly dangerous creature.

Lifting my hand, I press the button under my thumb, and the flashlight flares to life.

Chapter 71

Sterling

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