Blurred Lines by KD Williamson (27 page)

Kelli did a double take. “A what?”

“Does shriveled sound better?” Travis asked innocently.

“How bout we not talk about my box at all?”

“Well, if you insist.”

“I do, dammit. I do,” Kelli said.

Travis held up a finger, and she pulled back. “But, I think the conversation is directly related to your box, so there’s no avoiding it.”

Kelli sighed. “You irritate the shit out of me sometimes.”

“I’m aware.” Travis chuckled and settled into a soft smile. “I’ve been out of touch. I want to know what’s going on with you.”

Now, she just felt shitty. This was Travis, and maybe, she was feeling a little generous today. They stared at each other for a few seconds, and that was enough to convince her that whatever was said here would stay here. “Yeah, we’re kinda seeing each other.”

“Kinda?” Travis looked confused.

“It’s…complicated. She’s scared.”

“Straight gir—”

“No, it’s not that.” Kelli shut him down.

His gaze continued, but she could see when realization hit him. “Oh, she’s one of those commitment-phobic people. Wait, you are too. Do you know what you’re doing?”

Kelli smiled. “No clue.”

Travis shook his head as he laughed. “You’re in trouble.”

“Yeah, kinda.” She started shaving underneath his chin.

He learned what he needed to know, so Travis didn’t ask a million more questions about Nora. He didn’t work that way, and he knew she didn’t either.

“Kelli?” His expression was soft, wistful.

“Hmm?” Kelli replied.

Seconds went by.

“I’m starting to feel prickles in my legs.”

Kelli stared at him. “Prickles?”

“Yeah, kinda.”

Kelli laughed.

* * *

Nora was surrounded by a paint crew, and her kitchen was essentially hidden underneath protective drop cloths and plastic. It felt good to move forward even with the small things like getting her house interior painted.

“Ms. Whitmore?”

She turned toward the voice. The man who spoke was tall and muscular with decidedly rugged good looks. His features were further highlighted when he smiled. She returned his smile to be polite, but it was only a slight lift of the corners of her mouth. “It’s Dr. Whitmore.”

“I won’t forget that next time,” he said.

“Thank you.”

He continued to stare. Clearly he was attracted to her, but she didn’t feel the least bit interested. Intellectually, she appreciated him aesthetically, but her libido didn’t seem to notice. “You wanted to ask me a question?” she asked crisply.

His smile dimmed. “I just wanted you to know that the kitchen shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours, then we’ll get to your living room.”

Nora nodded. “I’m aware. Your crew chief already informed me. It’s why I hired him.”

He took a step back. “Uh, I was just making sure.”

“Thank you.” Now able to smell fresh paint, Nora pressed a finger underneath her nostrils.

The man turned and rejoined his crew.

Unable to stand the fumes any longer, Nora left the kitchen and made a beeline for her bedroom.

The interaction disturbed her. Not because of anything he said, but because of her reaction. Or rather her lack of one. She decided not to overthink it. Her last attempt at casual sexual release wasn’t the least bit satisfying. Maybe her non-response was her body’s way saving her from disappointment.

As was her new normal, her thoughts inevitably turned to Kelli. This explanation made sense in regard to the painter, but it had nothing to do with Kelli. Her body came to life when she was around. Nora felt familiar stirrings in her stomach and so she searched her room for a distraction.

She picked up the remaining paint swatches and evaluated her bedroom walls by holding up several shades of red. The color would be a bold change from sage, but maybe it was time. She pressed a tiny square against the wall that had a more pinkish hue than the others. She pictured Kelli rolling her eyes and saying something snarky about Pepto Bismol. Nora sighed at her inability to keep her thoughts from drifting to Kelli. They saw each other every day and even talked on the phone. Nora was immersed in Kelli.

Her cell phone rang. Nora picked the phone up and stared at the caller ID. Apparently, thinking about Kelli invoked her presence in some form or fashion. Something in the back of her mind encouraged her to ignore the call. Despite that, Nora answered anyway.

“Hey. I thought I was gonna have to leave you a message. Glad you answered.”

“Hello to you as well, Kelli.” Nora smiled. She couldn’t help herself.

Kelli chuckled. “Always so proper. I can’t wait to see the day when you’re not. I’m gonna take video and put it on YouTube.”

Even though she was sure that Kelli meant nothing sexual, the statement made her stomach clench. “Well, that, I’m sure, will be the first sign of the apocalypse.”

Kelli didn’t respond for a moment, then finally said, “Did you…did you just make a joke of some kind? I mean, it’s been a while.”

Nora was surprised herself. “I’m not sure. Did I?”

Kelli released a bark of laughter. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

“Quite possibly.” Nora blinked. She felt strange but warm at the same time.

Kelli laughed harder. “Holy shit! I’m corrupting you.”

Nora waited for the prickle of unease that was usually a part of talking to Kelli, but it never came. “Obviously.”

“This day is just getting better and better. Spent my morning shaving Travis’s beard, and talked like old times. Now, Nora Whitmore is making jokes. Can’t top that.”

“Are you being facetious?”

“Not in the least. Maybe before the day is over with, I’ll have you laughing again.”

“Maybe.” Nora looked forward to the possibility.

“I have PT in fifteen. What are you up to?”

“Hiding away from the paint fumes, and I’ve decided to have the master bedroom painted as well.”

“Oh yeah? What color?”

Nora’s lips twitched. She wasn’t at all sure what had gotten into her. “A derivation of pink.”

“Ugh, you mean like Pepto pink?”

Nora smiled. Kelli had yet to disappoint her.

“I know you’re joking. So, moving on. If the paint fumes are bothering you, just go to my place. Might as well get a jump start on relaxing before Monday’s deposition. You’re coming later anyway.”

This time the warmth in her chest was much more than a flutter. “I’m not sure,” Nora said nervously.

“I don’t bite.” Kelli teased.

The comment hung in the air. It was nothing like her statement about taking video. This time there was something in Kelli’s tone. This one had definite erotic intent. Nora pictured Kelli’s sweat-soaked body moving on top of hers.

“Uh, you know what I mean.” Kelli’s voice dropped an octave. She was clearly affected as well. “Besides, shouldn’t be an issue since I’m not there anyway.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“Mrs. Landau has a key.”

There was a pause. Nora could hear conversation in the background.

“I’m gonna go. Just walked into Williams. See you later?”

“Yes.”

Nora ended the call. She peered down at her cell phone and tried to figure out when she had gained the kind of social skills she had just utilized. This particular change was delicate, unassuming, and not like anything she’d experienced so far. Perhaps that was why it was so easy to acknowledge. On the heels of this epiphany, Nora decided to take Kelli up on her offer.

* * *

Nora walked hurriedly down the corridor, balancing an array of grocery bags that were growing heavier by the minute. It had become commonplace for her to bring food to cook when she came to Kelli’s. Otherwise they’d end up eating take out. She neared Mrs. Landau’s door but paused when she heard loud music coming from Kelli’s apartment. Intrigued, Nora knocked on the door rather than getting the key from the neighbor. She waited an appropriate amount of time, adjusted the bags, and knocked again. There was still no answer. Mildly irritated, she tried the knob and the door opened.

The music was nothing more than electric guitars, drums, and a man screeching at the top of his lungs. She cringed and moved farther inside. Sean McCabe stood in the kitchen with his head thrown back, guzzling a beer. He wiped his mouth with the back of hand and bobbed his head to the music, oblivious to Nora’s presence. The bobbing quickly changed to thrashing, and then he began jumping around as if he were caught in the throes of a seizure.

Nora wondered if she could slip out unnoticed. The handle on one of the bags tore, and a wheel of Gouda, an onion, and a couple of red peppers fell out. Thankfully, there were no breakable items. Nora placed the rest of the bags on the floor and picked up the runaway cheese and produce. When she looked up, Sean was staring at her in disbelief.

“Dr. Whitmore?”

She could not hear him over the music but was able to read his lips. Nora pointed at her ear.

Sean nodded and turned off the stereo. Finally, the noise stopped. Nora picked up the bags to take them to the kitchen. Sean intercepted her and took them for her.

“Let me get those.” He glanced at her warily. “How long have you been here?”

Nora didn’t respond. She simply stared.

A slight blush tinged his cheeks. “That long, huh?”

She followed him to the kitchen.

“I didn’t expect Kelli to have company. It’s my day off, and sometimes I come here.”

Nora scanned her surroundings, and noticed his sneakers and socks on the floor in the living room, along with a number of empty snack packages. Kelli’s prized and usually mounted flat screen TV was centered on a flimsy stand. Cartoon images raced across the screen. “I see.”

His face flushed. “I got the spare key from Mrs. L. because Kelli has a better TV for…video games. I’ll clean it all up before she gets home.” He sounded contrite.

Nora simply nodded and continued to stare.

“Don’t call her. I only do this like once every blue moon.”

“Mr. McCabe—”

“Sean. I think you can call me Sean now.”

“Sean. I agree that you probably need to clean up, but I see no need to resort to a phone call.”

He grinned and released a deep breath. In that smirk, Nora could see the family resemblance just as clear as day. She found herself smiling in return.

Sean began digging through the bags. “So you’re the one who stocks her fridge? I was wondering why there’s more than beer, jelly, and leftover Chinese.” He watched her speculatively as if he was expecting something more.

Nora returned his gaze.

“Kelli’s definitely moving up in the world.”

“We share meals. Sometimes at my place and other times here. I’ve learned that it’s usually a good idea to bring a few things.”

He smirked again. “Uh-huh.” He held up his bottle of beer. “You responsible for Dirty Bastard too?”

“Yes, Whole Foods has quite the selection of Founder’s products.”

“Mmm, you know I’m a firm believer in the trickle-down theory.” Sean’s tone and gaze were playful.

“What does economic policy have to do with our conversation?”

“Because what’s good for one McCabe is good for another. If you’re gonna bring her shit, don’t be shy about bringing it to me as well.” Except for the teasing glint in his eyes, he looked completely serious.

Nora glared, but Sean’s expression didn’t change. It’s what got her in the end. Her lips quivered with the effort to keep herself from smiling. “Charming.”

Sean’s smile was bright and full of dimples. “That’s part of trickle-down too.” He waited a second. “You know? Charm trickles down to each McCabe.”

“I see.” Nora grinned.

He laughed. “Think of it as a public service announcement.”

“Maybe I will.”

Sean turned and put the rest of the groceries away. In the quiet, Nora realized that she just had a very entertaining conversation with someone she barely knew
without
feeling uncomfortable. At first, she assumed that it was just because he was Kelli’s brother, but she discarded that idea because he was still, in essence, a stranger. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this. So, Nora decided to retreat.

“I should leave you to your music and games.” Nora backed up a step.

Sean glanced over his shoulder. “Metallica and
Mass Effect 2
.”

“Pardon?”

“The music and video games. Don’t make yourself scarce on my account. I can just use her bedroom.”

Nora glared at him again.

A corner of his mouth curled upward. “You know her that well? Then, maybe not.”

“Wise choice,” Nora muttered.

“You still don’t have to go. Stay. Supervise the clean-up?”

“I don’t think—”

“Look, I’m not exactly sure what’s going on with your job, but I know two things. Kelli is trying to help, and she wants you here. So, stay. Putter around in the kitchen. I’ll clean up. Okay? You won’t even know I’m here.”

Reluctantly, Nora gave in with a nod. She waited until he left the area completely before pulling out the cutting board and a knife. The simplicity of preparing food was strangely soothing.

* * *

Several minutes passed before Sean returned.

“My God, what is that smell? I just wanna stick my face in it.”

Nora glanced up from the sizzling sauté pan full of mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

He gave her a lopsided smirk. “I wasn’t trying to disturb you. Just couldn’t help myself. What are you making?”

“A veggie and cheese frittata.”

“A what now? Kelli eats that?”

Amused, Nora said, “She does.”

Sean snorted. “Well, she does like cheese.”

Nora turned toward the other counter and began cracking eggs. She could feel Sean’s gaze on her back.

He mumbled something.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you,” Nora said.

“Just thinking out loud, but I guess it’s worth saying.”

Assuming he needed her full attention, Nora gave it to him.

“Kelli doesn’t do this.”

“Do what?”

“What you’re doing. You must really be something.”

He was alluding to her growing relationship with Kelli, and Nora’s chest tightened with panic. She tried to breathe through it. Suddenly, she wasn’t sure she wanted to be that level of 
something
 to Kelli. Not that it mattered because Nora couldn’t stay away.