Page 53 of Thrown Off Balance

“Night, handsome.”

I wait until I know Sloan’s asleep before I let myself get tired. I'm just drifting off when my door opens and Jax steps inside. He nudges me to move over and I make room for him on the couch. I was wondering how long it would take for him to come in here.

Whenever we’re going through something, we like to be close to each other. It makes us feel better. Helps calm the chaos in our heads. Sophia used to tease us and say we needed the other around so we could break down and put ourselves back together. We used to say she was crazy, but now I think she’s a little too smart for her age.

“Thank you,” Jax whispers, his shoulder pushed up against mine on the small couch.

“Always, brother.”

Chapter 29

Sloan

When I wake up, I find Cody sound asleep on the couch with Jax next to him. I smile as I watch them. I know nothing will ever come between them and sometimes they’re going to need each other. I’ll never stand in the way when that happens.

Since Cody asked me out, my life has been rapidly spinning out of control, but one thing I keep thinking about is our future. Once everything has ended with Jude, we’ll get a real shot at a future and I can’t wait to see what it’s like.

I can see us getting married one day. I know Jax will be waiting with Cody at the end of the aisle and he’ll be just as happy for us as we are. He’ll be our biggest cheerleader and he’ll always have our back. I know when we have kids, he’ll be the most active uncle. He’ll probably practically live at our house for the first few weeks, and I won't stop him.

Jax can be a bit much some days, but it’s never bothered me. I love him and his crazy personality because of how much I love Cody. I’d never ask him to choose between the two of us and I know they’re sort of a package deal.

A groan comes from Jax and he rubs his eyes. When he finally blinks them open and finds me watching him, a smirk spreads across his lips.

“Are we sure Jude is the stalker? You’re a little creepy when you’re staring at us sleeping.” He scoots up so his butt is on the couch and stretches.

“I was just thinking,” I mumble.

“Come over here.” He moves over so there’s enough space for me to fit between him and Cody. I don’t hesitate even for a second. “What are you thinking about?” He drapes his arm across my shoulders and leans his head back against the couch.

“My future. What happens when Jude is gone.”

“Oh, yeah? What does your future look like?”

I glance down at Cody sleeping next to me. I want there to be a future with him, but I'm so terrified he’s going to realize I'm not worth it and toss me aside.

Jax’s deep chuckle draws my attention away from his twin.

“What?”

“Your future looks like Cody Robinson, huh?”

“A girl can dream.” I lift my shoulder in a shrug, letting it fall back down.

“It will be a dream come true. You two are meant to be together, you always were.”

“And what do you think about that?” I glance up at Jax, searching his eyes to make sure he isn’t lying to me.

“I’m thrilled with the idea, just…” He trails off and I can see there’s something he wants to say, but he’s nervous.

“Just what? You can tell me anything, Jax.” I take his free hand in mine and squeeze it.

“Just don’t take him away from me completely,” he whispers. “I need him.”

“I won't take him away from you at all, Jaxy.” I lean my head on his chest and he doesn’t hesitate to kiss the top of my head. “You’ll always be welcome in our lives. You’ll literally be living next door and I’ll make sure you have a key so you can come over whenever you want… Assuming Cody and I actually stay together after all of this.”

“We’re never breaking up,” Cody murmurs as he scoots up so he’s sitting next to me. “You’re mine and once all of this crap with Jude is over, we can talk about rings and weddings.”

“Cody…”