Page 101 of Cold Hard Cash

“Yeah, I’m sure Augustus would love that,” Jimmy snorted.

Anna pulled back to fix Jimmy with a stubborn look. “I really don’t always listen to Augustus, you know. I am my own person.”

Jimmy raised a skeptical brow. “Really?”

“In fact, I have my own dating drama. Not nearly as exciting as dating a gangster, but I’m dating a cop.”

Jimmy burst into laughter, stunned. “Wow. I bet Augustus freakin’ loves that.”

“It’s his partner, too.”

“Holy crap, okay,” Jimmy conceded with a small chuckle, “Anna Duplin is her own person. Got it.”

“Damn right I am. And I didn’t just come here because Dad told me to. I came because I really care, Jimmy. I’m just... this is crazy.”

“I know, but I’m happy. Maybe I am crazy, but this is it for me. I really wish you all the best, Anna, I do, but I’m not going anywhere.”

Anna looked heartbroken, but she nodded tearfully. “Well, you’re an idiot,” she said with a small laugh, “but you’re a grown idiot, and I can’t change your mind, so.”

Jimmy hugged her tight, closing his eyes and rubbing her back soothingly. He knew now that the distance between them would likely never be repaired, but he could hold onto this moment.

He could remember the girl he loved and the friendship he mourned, knowing that some things were just not meant to be. Maybe in another lifetime, but not this one.

“If you try to print any of what we talked about, I’ll sue you for libel,” Jimmy teased.

“You’re not a lawyer yet,” Anna laughed.

“Yeah, well, I can afford one now,” Jimmy snickered, “so just watch out.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Anna promised, kissing Jimmy’s cheek tenderly.

Jimmy blushed.

Jerry cleared his throat loudly.

Boss Cold was here, Tamerlane and Lorre flanking either side of him. They were all dressed to the nines, and Jimmy had no problem admitting how weak in the knees the sight of Cold in a suit made him.

Black pinstripe with fresh lilies pinned to his lapel, white spats, Christ. Jimmy was more than pleased to see Anna checking him out. Criminal or not, even she couldn’t deny how stunning Cold looked.

Jimmy hadn’t heard them come in, blinking in surprise as all three men stared him and Anna down. “Uh, hey!”

“Miss Duplin,” Cold greeted with a click of his tongue.

Oh, he looked angry. Deceptively calm on the outside, but Jimmy knew better. Cold was severely pissed off. Jimmy gently pushed away from Anna, smiling bashfully. He didn’t know why, but he felt an odd lurch of guilt, as if Cold had walked in on him doing something much more intimate than hugging.

“You know who I am?” Anna scoffed, arching her brows in surprise.

“I know a great many things,” Cold replied shortly.

Yeah, like where you live, Jimmy thought to himself with a gulp.

He gave Anna a quick pat on her shoulder, saying quickly, “Look, it really was great catching up and all, but uh, take care of yourself, okay?”

“You, too,” Anna said, offering a sympathetic smile. “Take care, Jimmy. Try not to do anything stupid.”

“Not making a promise I can’t keep,” Jimmy said with a shrug and a smirk. “Goodbye, Anna.”

“Bye, Jimmy!” She waved, nervously making her way around Cold and the Gentlemen.