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Lily, you’re better than this.

The condescension in his tone makes my blood boil, but instead of getting angry, I simply smile brighter. Screw his judgment.

“Oh, I absolutely do. Have a nice day, Tom.” I push past him, not caring that my shoulder bumps his arm. The guys follow immediately, falling into step around me like a protective wall. We make it about half a block before Cole breaks the silence.

“Holy shit, Lily! Did you see his face? I thought the man was going to have a stroke!”

“Who the hell was that?” Gage asks, tone protective.

I glance back over my shoulder to make sure Tom’s not following us, then let out a long breath. “Tom Wilson. He is, no, was a client. Big money, looking for another vacation home.” I’m grateful for the commission from working with him, but once I pay everything off, I shouldn’t need such big sales. I’m more than happy to go back to local clients.

“Was?” Hudson raises an eyebrow.

“Yeah, was. As in, not anymore.” I pull out my phone and make a mental note to text Mr. Sampson tomorrow. Someone else can deal with Tom and his attitude. Maybe Sarah. “I’m done putting myself in uncomfortable situations because someone has deep pockets.”

Even if those deep pockets helped me pay off some debt.

Hudson drapes his arm around my shoulders. “Did you see how proud she looked when she told him she was dating all of us?”

“I am proud.” The admission surprises me, but it’s true. “For the first time in God, I don’t know how long, I didn’t feel like I had to apologize for what makes me happy. I didn’t have to make myself small to keep other people happy.”

Gage steps closer, face serious. “You never have to apologize for that. Not to anyone.”

“I know that now.” Perhaps it took too long to figure that out, but better late than never.

We walk in comfortable silence for a moment, and I realize something has shifted. Not just with Tom, but inside me. I stood up for myself, for us, without hesitation. I didn’t shrink or make excuses or try to manage someone else’s feelings at the expense of my own.

“So,” Cole grins down at me, “feeling good about your first public declaration?”

“Actually?” I grin back. “I’m feeling fucking fantastic.”

Can it get any better?

The next evening, I snuggle deeper into the couch cushions, Cole and Gage on either side of me. Hudson is at his mom’s house for dinner. I’d be lying if I said my mind didn’t start wandering to naughty places the moment they sandwiched me on the couch.

Is it hot in here? It’s definitely hot in here, and my throat is dry.

Cole drapes his arm over my shoulder. “Everything okay?” His deep voice rumbles against my ear.

“Uh, yeah. I just need some water.” I start to push myself up, but Gage is already moving.

“Stay put.” He stands before I can fully rise. “I got it.”

“Gage, seriously, I’m perfectly capable of⁠—”

“Sit your pretty ass down, Lily.” His voice carries that gentle but firm tone that makes my stomach flip.

Heat crawls up my neck as I sink back into the cushions. “I’m fine. You guys don’t need to treat me like some fragile flower or whatever.”

“We’re not,” Cole says, pulling me against his side. “We want to pamper you, is that so bad?”

“No,” I admit.

Gage returns with a glass and I accept it with a smile, taking a big drink that does nothing to quench the thirst that’s settled deep inside me ever since Cole suggested he and Gage boss me around together.

The two of them focus on the movie again. Gage’s thigh presses against mine and his palm lands on my thigh. Cole traces his thumb back and forth over my clavicle. Are they trying to kill me?

I bite my bottom lip, working as hard as I can to focus on the TV, but it’s a losing battle. My mind keeps drifting to thoughts of the three of us together. Naked. Clearing my throat, I shift again, squeezing my legs together to relieve the building ache. That’s barely enough pressure.