Blurred Lines by KD Williamson (21 page)

“Whoa, this is good.”

“I’m glad you approve,” Nora said sarcastically.

“Uh-huh.” Kelli made a show of inspecting the house. “So, do I get the nickel—or should I say ten-dollar tour?”

Nora nodded, and before she knew it, they were wandering from room to room. Kelli was silent for the most part, save a long, low whistle here and there.

Eventually, they found themselves back in the living room.

“I know doctors make a lot of money, Nora, but—”

“I have an inheritance.”

“Oh,” Kelli said.

Nora glanced at her. “Does it bother you?”

Kelli shrugged. “I’m not judging, but what’s the point of working?”

Nora took a few seconds to think about her answer. She wanted to do what felt right. Nora wanted to take a step forward with Kelli, even if she couldn’t maintain the momentum—a distinct possibility given her emotional state. “I’m not the jet-setting socialite type, and I assumed it would be no different from when I was growing up. I imagine being taunted by adults and the gossip columns would have been even less enjoyable. Medicine is…who I am, and the money isn’t.”

Their gazes met.

“Yeah, I get that.”

Nora saw genuine understanding in Kelli’s eyes, but she also felt herself sinking deeper into them. She tore her gaze away and searched for something else to say. “I’m sorry about your brother.”

Kelli exhaled forcefully. “Me too, but I did what had to be done, I guess. Seems like I always do. I’m sure I’m gonna pay for it one way or another.”

“I wish there was some way I could help,” Nora said. “I mean that. I know I haven’t exactly been very present so far.”

Kelli looked away and was quiet for several seconds. “This is gonna sound…hell, I don’t know how it sounds, but all I could think about was getting over here. I had to see you. I tried to stay away. Give you some space, but, yeah, that didn’t work out.”

Nora tried to breathe, but couldn’t quite remember how. She looked everywhere except for where she was being pulled. Their gazes met anyway. Nora expected to see sparks in the air around them.

“More wine?” Nora’s voice was high, strained.

Kelli nodded vehemently. “Yes, please.”

* * *

Kelli closed her eyes and leaned against her door as a combination of feelings washed over her. She was tired, but Kelli had become very used to that. It was the other stuff—the stuff with Nora—that left her hot, tingly, and craving more. Hell, with Nora, she always wanted more, but Kelli had no idea what to do about it. A loud knock rattled the door and scared the shit out of her. She moved away and turned toward the sound.

“Yeah?”

“Kelli McCabe?” the man asked.

“What do you want?”

“Delivery. I need you to sign for it.”

Kelli cracked the door open and stared at him. A shaggy looking young man stared back. He held up an envelope and his clipboard for her to see. She was confused, but she widened the door anyway.

“You’ve been served.”

Son of a bitch. Kelli accepted the clipboard and signed. After he handed her the envelope, she slammed the door in his face. It wasn’t his fault, but it sure as hell was satisfying. The summons was too quick to have anything to do with the fun time she had with Rader today. If she did, in fact, have to testify, Kelli decided that the ride wasn’t going to be easy, at least for them. “Dumbasses,” she grumbled.

CHAPTER 13

Nora sniffed at the contents of her coffee cup. The scent was bold, rich, and pungent, just as Columbian coffee should be. She took a sip, but didn’t enjoy it like she usually did. Her life, hued in monochrome and unwavering routine, was something she used to find comfort in. Now, she longed for a splash of color. She took another sip and admitted to herself that Kelli brought the color with her. When Kelli visited, the walls that surrounded Nora burst with life. Without Kelli, Nora’s home was quiet. So very quiet.

Nora no longer cared for the silence.

The air burned between her and Kelli, but there was so much more—acceptance, warmth, humor, and an easiness that grew with each encounter. All of these things were new constructs and frightening unknowns, but it would be a lie to say she wasn’t drawn to them anyway, even though part of her continued to recoil from the emotional messiness that came with that level of human connection. Somehow, the previous day’s visit turned to drinks, drinks became lunch, and lunch led into a light dinner. Just ten hours ago, her day was more full and enjoyable than it had ever been before. When Kelli first arrived, they hesitated briefly at the awkwardness that was still present between them. The feeling dissipated quickly and left behind a familiarity that shouldn’t have been possible.

Kelli made her laugh, and Nora was equal parts shocked and titillated by Kelli’s ability to do so. She was learning that Kelli was very adept at provoking both feelings within her. Nora’s stomach tightened just thinking about it. Nora was sure that the attraction she felt would dwindle in time, but the other things Kelli offered—friendship, laughter and understanding—were things Nora wanted to hang onto. Nora glanced at her phone and wondered if she should continue moving at a snail’s pace. Or was it more prudent to let Kelli know her presence, and all she brought with it, was welcome?

Nora made her decision quickly.

* * *

Kelli’s cell phone rang loudly. She groaned, turned over, and threw the covers over her head. She’d finally fallen asleep a couple hours ago and was ready to kill whoever was calling for waking her up. The phone stopped and started ringing again. Kelli grunted and kicked the comforter away. For a second or two, she stared bleary eyed at the ceiling before reaching blindly for her cell phone.

“’Lo?”

“I woke you.”

Every single nerve in Kelli’s body jumped to attention all at once. Except, of course, the one leading to her voice box. Kelli sat up in the bed and knocked her pillow to the floor as she fumbled to make her mouth work. “Uh.”

“I can call back later.”

“No! No, it’s fine. I was up…kinda.”

“Liar.” Nora called her bluff.

Kelli blinked. Nora sounded
almost
playful. “Who is…
this
?”

Nora sighed. “You’re being facetious.”

“I am a little, but not really. I can’t be on all the time. You’re calling me. This…is just unexpected. I guess pod people really do exist.”

“Was that some sort of pop culture reference?” Nora asked.

“It was.” Kelli chuckled. It amazed her how naïve Nora was about some things.

“Would you care to elaborate?”

Kelli chuckled again. “You’re calling me. It doesn’t seem like something you’d normally let yourself do.”

“How did you come to that conclusion? You don’t know me that well.”

“I know you well enough, Nora.”

There was a brief moment of quiet, but there was still something sexy about it. Kelli loved that she had the ability to throw Nora off balance.

“I suppose that’s accurate,” Nora agreed.

“It is,” Kelli said softly.

“Well, I wanted to call. Should I assume that you want to know why?”

“Yeah, please do.”

“I—” Nora started but stopped suddenly.

“It’s okay.” Kelli reassured. “It’s hard for me to talk about things too, remember?”

“We don’t seem to have that issue with each other.”

“Then this should be easy.” Kelli knew it wasn’t, but she wanted it to be.

“In theory—”

“And in practice,” Kelli said firmly.

“I…” Nora cleared her throat. “I enjoy our conversations.” She finished the sentence in a rush.

“I do—” Kelli started.

“I’m not done.”

“Oh, sorry.” Kelli apologized and found herself smiling.

“I’ve been alone most of my life, and I’ve always been the one to temporarily amend the situation when necessary. I enjoy…your company, Kelli. I thought it important that you know that our 
friendship
 is reciprocated.”

Kelli felt as if she was wrapped in warmth, and the feeling settled in the places that got cold at night. She welcomed what Nora was saying, but for some reason, the message also made her feel a little too vulnerable. So, she fell back onto her oldest habit—humor. “So in other words, I grew on you.”

“Yes.”

“Like a fungus,” Kelli said with a grin.

“You really are insufferable. But I expected your answer, so I guess I know you well enough too.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Draw your own conclusions, detective.”

With that statement, Kelli found herself even more intrigued by this woman.

“Now, if you could open the door before your neighbors report me for stalking…”

Nora was outside. Here. Outside her apartment. It took a moment or two for Kelli to remember how to inhale. “What…how did—?”

“The Internet is a wonderful invention, even if it can be an invasion to a person’s privacy. Thirty-fifth Avenue is a prime location. You can see the Cascades and Mt. Rainier from here.” Nora explained. “Plus, I brought breakfast and a very good French Roast, but if I’m intruding—”

“No! No, I’m just a slow ass. You caught me by surprise. That’s twice now, Nora. You’re gonna have to pay for that.” Kelli scrambled out of bed and searched for something resembling pants.

“I look forward to it.”

Kelli swallowed down the sudden lump in her throat. That sounded dangerously close to flirting, and it threw Kelli all out of whack. It’s not as if she were a fumbling teenager, but this was
Nora
. She meant something. More than Kelli was ready to admit. “Um…”

“I meant that I look forward to your…continued company.” Nora corrected. She sounded a little breathless.

“Yeah, just let me put on pants.”

“You don’t have to put on pants for me.”

Sweet. God. Kelli actually took the phone from her ear and stared at it for a moment before responding. “Uh…wha—?” Jesus, what was it about Nora that turned Kelli into a mumbling idiot?

“I was trying to relay—” Nora said at the same time.

Kelli laughed. Every time they met, things got more interesting and entertaining. She hoped their exchanges stayed that way. Kelli found her jeans on the floor and pulled them on.

“Yes, well, maybe you should hurry so I won’t say anything else seemingly inappropriate,” Nora muttered.

“I wonder what you woulda said if I just got out of the shower.” Kelli said as if they talked—hell, flirted—like this all the time.

“Kelli!”

“Yes?” She smiled and let a little tease filter into her tone.

“These are the best cinnamon rolls in the city. They need to be fresh to be truly appreciated.”

“Zipping up as we speak. Be with you in a sec.” Kelli ended the call. Her leg was stiff so she limped lightly toward the bathroom. Her cane was propped against the open door. She glanced at the mirror. She looked like a cow had been licking her head. Kelli ran her hands through her hair. The quick styling could only be an improvement.

Kelli walked into the living room and the first thing she saw was the subpoena on the coffee table. “Fuck.” She’d almost forgotten about it. Kelli had made her peace with the stupid thing. If Fuller and her lawyer thought she could be manipulated or tricked, they were in for a rude-ass awakening. Nora was a different story. She was either going to look at the whole thing logically or be pissed the hell off. Kelli wanted to be ready for whatever happened.

Kelli opened her door only to see her neighbor’s door opened as well. “It’s okay Mrs. Landau. She’s a friend.”

Mrs. Landau looked at them for a few more seconds and then disappeared from view.

Kelli gave Nora her full attention. She tried to swallow down the golf ball sized lump in her throat. Nora really was breathtaking. It was hard not to tell her. Kelli was sure that conversation would send Nora screaming the other way. Instead, Kelli smiled. “Hey, come in.”

Nora smiled slightly as she walked in. “I told you that your neighbor thought I was up to something.”

“Mrs. Landau. She’s my self-appointed guardian angel. Nice old lady.”

When Nora stepped into the living room, Kelli suddenly became self-conscious. “It’s not much, so don’t look too close.”

Nora glanced around the room and then back at Kelli. “Minimalism fits you. I think you have good taste.”

Kelli’s gaze swept the area, taking in the clean lines of the mission-style furniture. Her face flushed with heat at Nora’s appraisal. “I don’t spend a lot of time in here.”

Nora sat the bag and coffee tray on the table. “Ten-dollar tour?” she asked.

Nora’s golden-brown eyes were soft and free of judgment, but held a hint of nervousness. For some reason, Kelli relaxed. “Yeah, if you don’t mind the unmade bed.”

“I don’t.”

Kelli nodded and led her toward the eat-in kitchen. They stopped at the entrance. Kelli assumed that Nora would ease past her to get a better look. The warmth at her back told a different story all together. She peered over Kelli’s shoulder. Nora was close enough to smell and feel. Kelli tried to ignore the heat that blasted her. She took a deep breath and willed her body to relax.

“Do you cook?”

“Minimally.” Kelli answered with a smirk.

Nora curled her lips into a smile.

They made their way to the bedroom. “This is where you spend your time.”

“Yeah.”

Nora scanned the room, but Kelli didn’t miss the redness in Nora’s face when her gaze stopped at the bed. Without thinking, Kelli put her hand at the small of the Nora’s back. “You okay?”

Nora jumped in surprise. Her whole body stiffened, which only made Kelli move closer. “Nora?”

Nora glanced at her, but looked away quickly. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m…” She licked her lips. “I’m still not used to being touched.”

Kelli pulled her hand away but missed the heat instantly. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that.”

“It’s okay. I suppose I have to get used to being around someone so demonstrative.”

Kelli shook her head and smirked. Nora’s honesty fueled her own. “That’s the thing. I’m really not.”

“Strange,” Nora whispered.

“It is, but I guess it fits.” Kelli backed away from the doorway to get some distance from Nora. “Cinnamon rolls?”