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Ryan’s mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. “I wasn’t trying to give her permission. I was just⁠—”

“Being a condescending asshole,” Cole finishes with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.

Sarah looks absolutely enthralled by this whole interaction, like she’s watching her favorite soap opera unfold in real time. Great. By tomorrow, everyone in Big Ridge will know I’m staying with the guys and exactly how they reacted to someone questioning that arrangement.

The thought should probably worry me more than it does.

I push myself to my feet, still shaky but determined to get out of this room before someone throws a punch. “Guys, it’s okay. Ryan’s only worried.”

All three of them look at me like I’ve suggested we all hold hands and sing Kumbaya, but they defer to my judgment. Hudson’s the first to move, crossing the room in two quick strides to slip an arm around my waist.

“Easy,” he murmurs when I sway slightly. “I’ve got you.”

Cole moves to my other side, creating a protective barrier between me and everyone else in the room. “Can you walk?”

I nod, though honestly I’m not entirely sure. My legs feel like jelly, but I’m determined to get out of here under my own power. Or at least with minimal assistance. I take a step and my knees aren’t happy. Before I can take another, Hudson scoops me up, lifting me like I weigh nothing at all.

“I can walk,” I protest.

“Not on my watch,” Hudson counters.

Struggling, I push halfheartedly at his chest. “Put me down.”

“Lily,” he warns, giving me a look so stern I instantly feel like I’m in trouble.

My lips press together, and I relent. I really don’t want to fall again. I should probably be embarrassed about being carried out of my workplace like some kind of damsel in distress, but his arms feel so solid and warm around me that I can’t bring myself to care.

“Lily,” Mr. Sampson, the managing broker and my boss, quickly crosses the parking lot as Hudson settles me into the passenger seat. “Addison told me what happened. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. I promise I’ll be back tomorrow and⁠—”

“No.” He shakes his head. “You passed out. You need to take some time off.”

My heart sinks. “I can’t take time off. I have showings lined up. Mr. Wilson is expecting⁠—”

“Sarah offered to cover your showings,” Mr. Sampson interrupts, and I notice Sarah standing behind him.

Thanks a lot, Sarah. I mean, I guess I can’t be too mad at her for caring but everyone is acting like I’m two steps away from death. I fainted. No big deal. My cheek chooses that very moment to remind me that I fell flat on my face, pain pulsing from what’s probably a nasty bruise.

Ugh. Fine. Maybe it is a big deal.

“I really need the sale,” I murmur.

“I won’t take the commission,” Sarah promises with a kind smile.

Shock ripples through me. Most realtors would gleefully steal a client like Tom if given the opportunity. Ryan and Laura definitely would.

“You’d do the same for me,” Sarah says, reading my thoughts. “Rest up and feel better.”

My boss turns to the guys, who are all standing around the truck like a protective detail. “You’ll make sure she takes care of herself?”

“We swear it,” Gage says solemnly. Something in his tone makes me believe him completely.

“Good.” Mr. Sampson steps back, still looking concerned. “Lily, I mean it. Take a few days.” He and Sarah head toward the door. When they reach it, Sarah glances back, eyebrows pinched together in concern.

Great. More pity. That’s exactly what I need.

The guys pile into the truck, closing their doors and all of them turn to look at me, watching me like I’ve done something naughty. Why do I have the distinct feeling I’m about to be lectured?