Page 2 of Big Filthy Mobster

“So you’re just living an easy life as a bachelor now,” Holly remarks, sounding amused.

“Something like that.” I tap the table for another card. “What about you? Come to Cherrywood Village for an easy life?”

“Something like that,” she echoes, dealing to everyone at the table.

I nod, realizing she probably has her own complicated history. My interest sharpens, trying to figure out how to get more time with her, to get her alone.

“Thinking about settling here?” I ask, nudging the conversation in a softer direction. “Seems like the kind of place for it.”

“The jury’s still out,” she replies, laying down more cards. “It’s nice, but I miss the hustle and bustle of a big city. I lived in Brooklyn; it’s been an adjustment. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to how laid back it is here.”

“I thought the same when I moved here.” I signal that I don’t need another card. “I stayed in Manhattan.”

“Well, I’d love to swap big city stories sometime.” She hums as the man next to me wins his hand, pays him out, then adds, “I’m not sure our other guests at the table would appreciate it, though.”

I glance at the man beside me and instantly understand. He’s clearly annoyed by our back-and-forth. Casinos aren’t exactly known for friendly chit-chat; they’re for people serious about the game. Not every patron here has my level of disposable income.

“Ah, you’re right.” I lean toward my neighbor and lower my voice. “Sorry for chattering in your ear.”

The man grunts, his gaze never leaving his cards. I take it as my cue to do the same. Playing a few more rounds in silence, I eventually decide I should probably call it a night. I’ve played enough to avoid suspicion if an investigation ever came up, and with the silence between Holly and me, there isn’t much reason to stay.

“You’re done?” she asks when I shake my head and gather my things after the round wraps up.

“I believe so.” Pleased to hear the disappointment in her voice, I add, “I actually wasn’t planning on staying this long, but the conversation was too good to walk away from.”

She blushes, the gold flecks in her eyes catching the light. “It was nice talking to you. Maybe I’ll see you around?”

“I’m sure you will.” I frown when my neighbor clears his throat, impatient. Giving the table one last tap, I offer a final, “Have a good night, Holly. It was nice meeting you.”

“Likewise,” she responds, turning her attention back to her job. But then, as if remembering something, her head snaps up. “I don’t think I caught your name.”

“I’m Patrick,” I reply easily. “Patrick Montgomery.”

“Well, have a good night, Patrick Montgomery,” she tells me with a little wave before returning to the table.

Before leaving, I allow myself one last indulgent look at her. Then, before my gaze turns predatory, I turn on my heel and head for the door. As I make my way to the car, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something between us. Maybe it was the easy way we talked, or the fact that we’re both from New York, but I’m drawn to her.

On the drive home, it dawns on me that I haven’t been this interested in someone since my wife passed away. I can’t let her slip by. If I have to come to this casino every day just to talk to her, I will. Whatever it takes to make Holly mine.

Chapter Two

Holly

Today, even though I know my chances of seeing Patrick again are low, I put extra effort into my appearance. I already make myself look nice for my shifts, it’s a surefire way to maximize my tips. Now, though, I take extra time to make sure every hair on my head is in its place, and instead of my normal matte eyeshadow, I use a pop of glitter.

When I get to the casino, I’m given my table assignment for the night and head there. We’re fairly slow all things considered. The only people I see are our regulars, though that doesn’t surprise me. Sundays aren’t exactly our busy days.

For the next few hours, I find myself looking for Patrick in every single person that walks by. I feel silly, like a teenage girl with her first crush. I kind of am, though. While I’m twenty-two, I haven’t had a real crush before. I don’t know how to act.

Thankfully, I have enough practice in being a blackjack dealer so that my distraction doesn’t diminish my work performance. Even if I’m watching the casino floor, I’m attuned to the customers at my table, picking up on each of their taps andcounting up their cards without using too much of my brain power.

I’m about fifteen minutes away from my break when a familiar face approaches. At first, I’m sure I’m just imagining it. There’s no way that Patrickactuallycame back. But, sure enough, he makes a beeline to my table with that charming smile plastered on his face.

“Long time, no see.” He slides up to the table. “You having a good shift, Holly?”

“I am,” I confirm, feeling inexplicably breathless. “I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon.”

But, god this is what I was hoping for all day long.

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