149. Courtney
Chapter 149
Courtney
Opening my front door, I roll my shoulders back and stretch my neck side to side.
The ache that had been starting to fade between my legs is deliciously back.
I inhale the morning air, letting my eyes fall closed.
I didn’t get my drunken sex last night, but morning sex with Sterling did not disappoint.
The sound of the dryer running behind me has me biting down on a smile.
I couldn’t see Sterling when he came on my back, all over his flannel. But I could hear him.
And those grunts will live in my memory forever.
I squeeze my thighs together.
This is not the time to relive that particular moment. I have work to do.
And I especially can’t think about Sterling planting a kiss on my ass cheek after he cleaned me up and stripped the flannel from my body.
He’s such a mix of gruff and swoon that my body just melts around him .
So when he pulled the blankets back up to cover me and told me to go back to sleep, I did.
I blink up at the bright blue sky, then drop my gaze to where I’m going.
I pause with my foot in the air, my face scrunching up.
There’s blood on my top step.
Ew.
I step over it.
I’ve seen a few patches of feathers around the property, where birds met with violent ends. And even though I don’t see any feathers, I’m sure some creature met its end here.
My shoulders shimmy in a shiver.
As I cross the driveway, I hear voices and turn my head toward Sterling’s house.
He’s standing on his patio, hands in his pockets, talking to two of the guests who are still here.
Simpson is with them too, and when he spots me, he lifts his hand.
Waving back, I smile but keep walking.
Sterling’s eyes move to mine, and I hold his gaze for two thudding heartbeats, then I look away, casual as ever.
There’s something kind of exciting about having an illicit affair with my boss.
And I understand the reasons for keeping us secret, even if we haven’t actually discussed it.
But it’s getting harder to deny my growing feelings for Sterling.
And I know we’ll have to talk about it at some point. But today… Today I want to do something special for him.
The Food Hall is empty when I reach it, but someone has already been in to turn on the lights.
As I go through the routine with Big Joe, I wonder if Cook is going to make breakfast for the guests before they leave.
If he is, I’ll have to wait until later in the morning to execute my plan. But if there isn’t a group breakfast, then Sterling shouldn’t come in here.
Just as I wonder about breakfast, Cook comes through the door.
“Morning.” I smile. “I was hoping you’d be here. ”
Cook puffs up his chest. “Well, don’t you know how to make an old man feel appreciated.”
I laugh. “We all appreciate you. We’d starve without you feeding us.”
Some more literally than others.
“Yeah, yeah.” He walks over and grabs two mugs out of the cupboard.
“Are the guests staying for breakfast?”
Cook shakes his head. “Nope, they’re on their own.”
“Gotcha. I just saw them talking to Sterling, so I wasn’t sure.” I shrug. “I thought they’d be gone already if they have a long drive.”
“They should be outta here soon. Heard something about one of their guys leaving early.” Cook holds out the mugs. “Now tell me what you need.”
I pour our coffee as I tell him.
Cook closes one eye as he looks at me. “What for?”
“Just have a craving.”