Page 41 of Thrown Off Balance

I'm not surprised when Jax jumps out of the car and follows me into the boutique. We each take one side of the store and pick out outfits for Sloan. By the time we meet at the register a few minutes later, we each have about ten outfits.

“She’ll need bras and underwear, but I'm not buying her that stuff.” Jax grimaces.

“Yeah, that’s out of my comfort zone.” I chuckle. “We can come back after breakfast and let her shop.”

I hand over my credit card and a few minutes later we’re walking out of the store with enough clothing that Sloan won't have to worry about it for a long time.

“What is all of this?” Sloan gasps as we place four large bags in the backseat.

“Just get changed so we can eat, Sloany. I'm starving,” Jax groans.

“Get changed in the backseat so no one can see in. After breakfast we can go back into the boutique and get anything else you need.”

It takes Sloan less than two minutes to get changed and meet us at the door of the café. We’re led to our seats immediately and Jax orders food for everyone without asking us what we want.

“He still does it, huh?” Sloan turns towards me with an arched brow.

“Yeah… Honestly, I don’t hate it. He typically knows what I want and when he’s wrong, he’s willing to switch plates.” I lift my shoulder in a shrug.

“What if that’s not what I wanted, Jax?” She turns her attention towards my brother.

“Oh, but it is. You love potato pancakes, eggs, and bacon.”

“But you got me French toast too.”

“I did. And if you don’t want it, I’ll happily eat it instead.” He grins.

“Sometimes I think you’re a garbage disposal in human form.”

“Well, in my defense, I burn so many calories a day, I need to eat a lot.” Jax shrugs as he takes a long sip of his coffee.

“In reality, he typically eats an extremely clean and healthy diet and he’s splurging today because he knows I won't do this again the rest of the month.” I smirk as I lift my cup to my lips and blow on the hot liquid.

“Aw, man. I think I'm rethinking this relationship.” Sloan scowls up at me.

“Excuse me?” I rear back like she just slapped me.

“Well, I won't be able to eat junk food with you. What happens when I really want ice cream or cookies?”

“Then we get you ice cream or cookies, babe.”

“But you won't eat them with me?” She blinks up at me.

“Man, you’re going to get fat,” Jax singsongs. “You never could say no to that look.”

“I’d take a bite, but no, I won't eat a lot of it.”

“That’s not fun at all.” She folds her arms over her chest and pouts.

“You say that, but when it’s warm enough to go in the pool, you’ll be thrilled with how seriously he takes his diet and exercising.” Jax’s smirk widens even more.

Chapter 22

Sloan

Jax and Cody lead me towards Bennett Bradley Security. I stop outside of the bakery next door and stare up at the Mulberry Lane Bakery sign.

“Is this Sophia’s bakery?”