29. Sloan
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…”
“I'm serious. I’ve always wanted a woman who welcomes Jax with open arms. Someone who won't be annoyed when he drops by at two in the morning because he needs me. Someone who won't feel like he’s crossing boundaries by constantly being around or coming over when things are crazy. I think you’re that woman, baby. You love him almost as much as you love me.”
“Yeah, but in a different way.” I scrunch up my nose as I glance at Jax. “Like I'm not kissing you, so don’t get any ideas.”
“Brosephine, that would be like kissing Sophia or Charlie.” Jax gags and places a hand between our faces. “You’re like a sister to me. We grew up together.”
“That means nothing. You grew up with Emma and Bella, yet I don’t think you view them like sisters.”
“I view fifty percent of them like sisters. The other fifty percent…” He trails off, wiggling his brows.
“Oh my gosh! Which one do you have the hots for?” I sit forward and turn my body to face Jax.
Cody takes the opportunity to spin and pull me against him so our legs are spread out on the couch and we’re facing Jax. My back is against his chest and his arms are wrapped around my waist.
“Nope, I don’t spill secrets like that.” He waves me off.
“Cody, who is it?”
“See, you have to understand that he’s not allowed to spill twin secrets.” Jax tsks.
“Oh, are they special?” I ask, rolling my eyes.
“Yes,” they both answer at the same time, making me laugh.
“Fine. I’ll figure it out sooner or later. What time do we need to leave for the stadium?”
When we get to the stadium, Mason and Maddox lead me straight to a box. Pauly is already here and so are a handful of other men. Apparently, they all work for Bennett Bradley Security and their job is to protect me at all costs today.
“I don’t want you to leave this room, Sloan. There’s a bathroom in the corner and if you need anything else, just let us know,” Mason murmurs as he types something out on his phone.
“Are you going somewhere?” My brows draw together as I watch him carefully. I’d feel so much safer if he doesn’t leave me.
“Nah, Jude knows what I look like. If he spots me, he might get angrier and realize we’re protecting you.
I need men he hasn’t seen. That means Maddox and Pauly will be here with you and me.
The rest of the guys will be our eyes and ears on the ground.
They’ll be looking for Jude the entire time.
The stadium gave us access to their video cameras.
Peck’s in the secret lair checking every camera and letting us know if he spots him. ”
“Does he have facial recognition software too?” I roll my eyes.
“Yes.” Mason turns his attention away from me and motions for the men I don’t know to follow him. “I’ll be back in five minutes, Sloan.”
“Ok.” I take a seat overlooking the ice and try to relax. Mason said no one can see through these windows. Even if Jude shows up, he won't be able to spot me here.
I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly. As long as Jude can’t get to me, I’ll be happy.