I wonder if you got a reading where the wort wasn't mixed well. 9 lbs ought to be closer to 1045-ish, depending on your efficiency. I don't know when/how you take your readings. But I finally started taking a small sample at flameout when the wort is mixed thoroughly, cooling it in the freezer, and using my refractometer for it. I think it's more consistent. I used to take a sample after chilling to pitching temps, but you get temp stratification more easily then.