Page 58 of Thrown Off Balance

“I'm not sure you can top this date,” she murmurs as she surveys the items for us to add to our hot pots.

“Is that a challenge?” I arch a brow.

“Yes.” A smirk tips up the corner of her lips and I can’t help but chuckle. I love this woman.

We pick out a few things we want to try first and our broth, then take them over to the table. I pull out her chair for her before heading back into the kitchen to grab a bottle of wine. I'm not sure if that really goes with our meal, but I noticed Sloan likes this wine. She had a glass when we went to Kennedy’s Pub and the Brazilian steakhouse.

“You even got my favorite wine?” She blinks up at me in surprise.

“Of course.”

“How’d you even know?”

“You’ve ordered it every time we’ve been out. I figured you must like it.”

“This is perfect, thank you, Cody.”

Chapter 34

Sloan

I giggle as Cody takes a big bite of food and instantly realizes his mistake. He blows out a breath full of steam and keeps his mouth open.

“It’s so hot,” he mumbles around his food.

“What did you think would happen? Your pot is boiling like crazy!”

I pull out a piece of meat and hold it over my plate with my chopsticks. I blow on it a few times before I plop it in my mouth with a grin.

“Show off,” Cody mutters under his breath. I giggle as I grab another piece and do the same thing.

“This is delicious. I’ve never done a hot pot before and I'm a huge fan now.”

“I'm glad. I wanted to do something different and fun. I wanted this to be a night you wouldn’t forget.”

“I could never forget any night I get to spend with you,” I whisper as I tuck a strand of hair that fell from my bun behind my ear and peer up at Cody.

He places his palm up in the center of the table and I quickly place my hand in his. He rubs his thumb across the back of my hand and watches me carefully.

“I love you, Sloan.”

“I love you too.”

“I…” He shakes his head and chuckles.

“You, what?”

“This is going to sound crazy. This is our first date after years of being apart, but I know what I want. I don’t think any length of time is going to change that.”

“What do you want?” I ask slowly, almost scared of what he’s going to say… but I think we’re on the same page.

“I want to get married. Things have always been so perfect between us. I know you’re the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I want to spend all of my ups and downs with you by my side.”

“Even crazy stalkers?”

“Even a whole group of crazy stalkers.” He smirks, showing off his adorable dimples.

“I think I want that too.”