Page 5 of Distress Signal

When I turned my attention to him, I gasped, doing a comical double take between him and Finn.

Finn grinned, and his histwinsaid, “Surprise! I’m West, his better half.”

Sighing heavily through his nose, Finn pinched his eyes shut and tilted his head back, as though praying for strength. “How many times do I have to tell you, dipshit? That doesn’t mean what you think it means.”

“As many times as you want,” West said. “I’m never going to stop saying it.”

“I should’ve eaten you in the womb.”

As though sensing a fight was brewing, the final guy rose from the table and extended a hand to me. Same hair, same eyes, tall, muscular build, only the upper half of his left arm engulfed in tattoos.

“I’m Crew,” he said as we shook. “The youngest of these idiots.”

“Nice to meet you all,” I said, feeling a tad shell-shocked.

What had I gotten myself into?

A lot of fun,as it turned out.

When the bartender arrived with a tray of drinks for me and the boys, they slipped easily into the sort of not-so-gentle ribbing and shorthand only possible between siblings. Sitting next to Finn, I watched it all, wishing Lainey had stayed to experience it with me. I found myself marveling at the sheer gorgeousness of these men. How was it possible that their parents had created not one or two, butsixstunning creatures? With the muscles, tattoos, mesmerizing blue eyes, and straight, white smiles, it was clear to me they’d each left a trail of women with broken hearts in their wake.

Was I about to be another one?

Honestly? I fucking hoped so.

Lainey and I were leaving town in the morning. This didn’t have to be anything more than a good night of sexy fun.

The band, which had been playing a mixture of throwback and recent country hits, launched into their rendition of “The Bones” by Maren Morris.

“I love this song,” I murmured, closing my eyes and swaying to the beat, softly singing the words.

In addition to the beers, we’d taken several shots of tequila, and that delicious buzz had settled over me, loosening my limbs.

A touch fell on my shoulder, and my eyes popped open, immediately connecting with Finn’s.

He held his hand out. “Let’s dance.”

Like hell was I about to say no.

I slipped my palm against his, and he led me out onto the floor.

We found ourselves right in the middle of the couples already dancing. A few of Finn’s brothers had also made their way out. Lane was nearby with his arms wrapped around a brunette of average height, her curled hair a long curtain that fell to her butt. Beyond him, Trey was laughing with a tall blonde in his arms. Owen and Crew had remained at the table, and West had disappeared a while ago.

Finn drew me into his embrace, his hands sliding low on my hips, fingers spreading wide against the upper curve of my ass. For once, I was grateful for my own height, because I easily looped my arms around his neck. He settled his cheek against my temple, and we gently stepped side to side, swaying in a small circle.

Goddesses, it felt good to be wrapped in someone’s arms again—but, inexplicably,especiallyhis. Strong, sturdy, and incredibly warm. I barely knew him, yet I knew without a doubt I wassafewith him.

As that sense of safety spread through my system, it morphed into something totally different.

Desire.

Iwantedthis man. In a bone-deep way.

As if able to read my thoughts, Finn’s fingers flexed, digging into my flesh, scorching my skin through the thin material of my dress. Though no space remained between us as it was, he pulled me closer. His heart beat out a staccato rhythm against his chest, echoing the pace of my own.

“Finn,” I breathed, shifting to look up at him.

Our lips were inches apart.