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Jimmy snorted out a laugh. “No shit.”
“Why, James.” Cold pretended to be aghast. “Such language.”
Jimmy laughed again. “I’ll put a quarter in the swear jar, I promise.”
“As you should.”
“So, what do we do about the drop?”
“We take care of you. We appraise you for any potential injuries, provide support and comfort, and we discuss what happened. When you’re ready, of course.”
Jimmy nodded. “Okay, I…” He inhaled shakily. “I think I’m ready now. Maybe. Yes.”
“All right.” Cold cupped Jimmy’s cheek and kissed him. “What were you thinking about? Anything in particular?”
“Not really. It wasn’t just one thing. It was all of them at the same time.” Jimmy frowned as he tried to put the feeling into words. “Missing my mom so much but being happy I got justice for her. Knowing my dad is finally gonna be free. And getting shot and then you getting shot and being scared all the damn time and… Wow. It really has been a lot. Ups and downs and so much in between.” He gazed at Cold. “And you. Loving you. Being in love with you. And… knowing you love me too.”
Cold smiled. “Are you happy, Jimmy?”
“Yes. Happier than I ever thought was possible. I’m getting my dad back. I have you and a future, a real future. And when… I feel like this again, I know you’ll be there.” Jimmy hugged him close. “I’m sorry for getting so upset.”
“There is no need to apologize.” Cold rubbed his back. “Someone taught me a long time ago that putting the pieces back together is just as important as when you break them, if not more so.”
“That’s nice.” Jimmy grinned a little. “And yeah, good thing ’cause you are very good at breaking me.”
Cold scoffed. “Breaking you is not my intention.”
“Mmm. Sure about that?”
Cold winked. “Perhaps only a little.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Jimmy chuckled. “It’s okay… I…” He dropped his voice to a whisper to say, “I like it.”
“I know. And so do I.” Cold touched Jimmy’s chin, urging him to meet his gaze. “But I never want to hurt you. Not in any lasting way. Talk to me. How are you feeling now?”
“Good. Very good. Better honestly. But, uh… sticky.”
“I suppose a bath is in order, hmm?”
“Yes, please.” Jimmy stretched his arms and then let them fall around Cold’s neck. “Bath, new pajamas, and cuddles on the couch. I think freeing my dad, taking down bad gangsters, and everything else means we can have a day off, right?”
“Something like that.” Cold chuckled, tucking himself back into his pants before scooping Jimmy off the counter and cradling him against his chest. “I will have a few phone calls to make later, but I will take those in my office. I am also expecting to hear from my attorneys soon regarding your father’s imminent release.”
“Thank you.” Jimmy cuddled in close. “Thank you for… for everything.”
“And thank you.” Cold smooched Jimmy’s brow as he carried him out of the kitchen and toward the stairs. “In another life, you really could have been quite a clever little criminal.”
“I think we both know I’d be a terrible one. I can’t lie. I cry, like, so much. And there’s the whole can’t look at blood without passing out thing.”
“I was trying to be nice.”
Jimmy gasped. “Hey! You’re not supposed to agree with me.”
“No?” Cold smirked, climbing the stairs. “I will have to remember that.”
“Okay, look, you’re supposed to agree with me most of the time. But not right now.”
“Does that mean I say yes or no at this moment? Because you are not being very clear about how to best protect your ego.”
