Page 80 of Distress Signal
REAGAN
When Finnand I walked outside a little while later, my head spun like a helicopter propeller.
All those names of people I didn’t yet know but found myselfwantingto meet.
I didn’t grow up with a big family, certainly wasn’t used to the chaos of one, but I couldn’t deny how enticing being a part of this one was.
“Did you drive here?” I asked Finn.
He shook his head. “I had to wrap up a few things at work, so I rode my horse over.”
“Do you want a ride home?”
He nodded eagerly, turning to accept the stack of leftovers his mother carried out to us. Then he bent and gave her a hug before carrying the food to the backseat of the car.
Only he didn’t get in the passenger seat, instead walking around to the driver’s side ofmycar and getting behind the wheel.
Birdie chuckled at my expression. “I raised my boys well.”
“You sure did,” I mused.
Then Birdie surprised me when she approached me next, drawing me into that warm, baked goods-scented embrace.
“I meant what I said earlier,” she murmured to me. “You’re welcome anytime. With or without Finn.”
I squeezed her a little tighter before letting go, but when I did and looked down into her face, I whispered, “Hopefully with.”
A smile broke across her face, and she patted my cheek. “You’re a good one, Reagan Lindsey.”
“You too, Birdie Lawless.”
With a wave goodbye, I climbed into the passenger seat, and Finn and I set off for home.
“You’re driving my car.”
“My woman doesn’t drive as long as I’m around.”
I quirked a brow. “Yourwoman?” I asked, though I secretly loved the claim and the surety behind it. Heat pooled low in my belly.
I was completely and utterly fucked where this man was concerned. How had I ever thought I could stay away from him?
“Yep,” he quipped, popping thep. “So you just sit there and be my pretty little passenger princess.”
Silence descended between us, thick with tension and desire.
“We should probably talk about us,” I hedged.
“Agreed.”
“Now?”
“Let’s get home first,” he said, glancing quickly at me as he turned onto the access road to his house. “I have a feeling I’m gonna need bourbon for this.”
Having the confidence boost of some alcohol certainly sounded like a good idea.
“Mine or yours?” I asked.
“It’sallmine.”
