Blurred Lines by KD Williamson (30 page)

“No more instant?” Williams asked.

“Nope. Using my coffeemaker nowadays. Got this French Roast…” Her voice trailed off, and Kelli looked up at Williams.

His eyes narrowed, and his mouth opened.

“Don’t even start!” Kelli headed him off at the pass.

Williams laughed. “What? I was just gonna say you seem different.”

“Uh-huh.” The mug made a thump when she set it on the counter in front of him. Kelli filled it to the brim.

“Well, you do.” He muttered before taking his first sip. “Oh sweet God…” He moaned.

Kelli snickered. “No, it’s chicory. This is a New Orleans blend. Nora turned—” Her mouth snapped closed. Well, shit.

That look in Williams’s eyes came back. “The doctor you’re dating?”

Kelli sighed. “I swear to God, all the men in my life gossip like old hens.”

Williams grinned. “So, it’s true?”

“I plead the fifth. Is that why you came over here?”

“Nah, Lieutenant Cooper has been griping about you. It’s his way of saying he cares and wants you back.” He took another sip of coffee, humming in delight. “You think you’re ready to face the psych eval? After a couple weeks’ desk duty, obviously.”

Kelli finished her coffee quietly, but she didn’t take her eyes from him. She stared him down. Kelli felt ten feet tall. “I look ready?”

“Mmm,” Williams held her gaze.

“To be honest, I haven’t really thought about the job. Haven’t had time to with everything that’s going on, but it’ll be good to be back. I’ll probably drive everybody crazy until I get back in the field.”

“That I’m sure of. Still having nightmares?”

She nodded. Kelli could at least share that. “I’ve gotten used to them. I sleep through the night. Some of my reality is shittier these days.”

Williams nodded. “Travis won’t be there.”

Kelli swallowed already feeling an emptiness in her stomach. “I know that, but it’s only temporary.”

“Six months to a year, Kelli.” Williams added, forever the voice of reason.

“I know that too. So, it’s either you or a temp.”

“Yeah. Think about it. You want someone who knows all your nooks and crannies? Or someone who doesn’t know shit?” Williams asked.

“You make it so appealing when you put it like that.”

“I won’t sleep with your mother again.” His brows cast a deep “V” on his forehead. He looked thoughtful.

Kelli sighed. At that time, it felt a lot like betrayal. “I’m over that, seriously, but when it happened—”

“Your father’s death was still fresh. I know.”

Kelli refilled her coffee cup. She studied Williams. It wasn’t a hard decision to make. “We’re good. I’ll probably be cleared for desk duty by Friday after my last PT session.”

Williams’s smile grew even larger. He tapped Kelli’s mug with his own. “Good to hear. So, more deposition today?”

“Nosy son of a bitch. All of you need to get a life. Mine isn’t all that exciting.”

Williams snorted. “I’ve seen your doctor. Now 
that’s
 exciting.”

Kelli had to fight her smile. “Whatever.”

“You didn’t answer the question.”

Kelli grumbled. “Not really. We’re viewing a recording from the other day.”

“I hate those civil things, long and boring. Should be able to get right to the part where things explode into a Springer episode and somebody goes home crying.”

Kelli laughed outright. “I think we’re there. When Nora’s lawyer called last night, he made it sound like shit’s about to hit the fan.”

* * *

Alone, Kelli turned the coffeepot off and leaned against the counter. She pushed a hand through her hair as she ventured deeper into her thoughts. Almost all the sharp edges in her life were smoothed over and that probably had a lot to do with Nora and Travis. Some of them could still cut her deep. She thought about Antony, but she hoped that sooner or later, that situation would work out too. A smile pulled at her lips. After the shooting, Kelli knew nothing would be the same. The pain both inside and out had damn near pulled her under, but it didn’t. Now, her life was richer, fuller than she ever thought was possible.

For several minutes, Kelli wondered how all of this would affect her job. Would she still have that edge and the emotional distance she needed? Kelli didn’t dwell on it. Right now, there was no point. She thought about Nora instead, and the warmth that burst in her chest started to take over completely. She had definitely come out of this whole thing with more than she’d bargained for.

* * *

Nora gathered her purse, cell phone, and keys as she prepared to leave. She paused and looked around at her living room. The area used to be sterile, bordering on cold. No more. The warmth that had been lacking was now in abundance with the help of a bold coat of paint and some design changes. Nora wasn’t one for metaphors, but she was standing right in the middle of one. That had been her once—frosty and pragmatic, with clearly defined borders. Now, she was muddled, softened, and her lines were blurred.

After her parents’ death, Nora lived a life of restraint with no impressive highs or lows. As of late, her existence had changed dramatically, but now things finally seemed to be coming together, at least professionally. Nora never pictured herself as a victim. Yet, she almost was. Thanks to James Rader and Taylor Fuller.

With the end of the deposition in sight, Nora’s former life dangled in front of her, but even if the prize presented itself, Nora was torn between her past, present, and the uncertainty of the future. Kelli came to mind, as she often did. Their relationship was hanging in the balance, and it was further complicated by the unrelenting heat between them. Part of her wished for a middle road with fewer complications, but she didn’t think that was possible. Nora opened the front door. At least there was hope that something positive would come out of the day. Then, soon, she’d be a practicing surgeon again. If that cloud was lifted, maybe Nora could see everything else around her more clearly.

* * *

Nora exited her Mercedes and left it idling. Kelli was already making her way down the walkway. She had obviously been waiting for her. Was it normal for such a small act to make her stomach twist like that? Nora shouldn’t be surprised by anything her body did when she was anywhere near Kelli.

Kelli smiled as they met on the sidewalk. “Hey, I figured, with everything happening, you’d want to get there a little early.”

Nora smiled back. “Possibly.”

Kelli rolled her eyes. “You’re excited, I can see it. It’s written all over your face.”

Nora swallowed. She felt her belly twisted again. “Really?”

Kelli smirked. “Yep.”

Was she that easy to read? Or maybe she was, for Kelli.

Kelli brushed by her and headed toward the car. Her heat and scent lingered for Nora to enjoy, and so she did. It was nice to stop and savor something so simple.

“Kelli,” Nora called to her.

Kelli turned. “Yeah?”

“Would you like to drive?” Nora asked breathlessly.

“Shit yes!” Kelli left the driver’s side door ajar and moved quickly to the other side to hold the door open for Nora. Nora expected her to start jumping up and down like a small child. She did a little bounce, and her smile was huge. It was an endearing sight.

A few seconds later, Kelli pulled away from the curb.

“So, what did I do to earn this?”

“You asked,” Nora answered. “I know it was a little while ago.”

Their gazes met briefly. Nora was the first to look away.

“You’ll give me anything I ask for?” Kelli’s voice was low, husky.

The feeling in Nora’s stomach doubled. Instead of answering, she released a long, trembling breath. That definitely wasn’t an example of a happy medium. It was way too potent to be.

“Should I apologize for taking it there? I really don’t think I want to,” Kelli added softly.

“No,” Nora answered. She took another deep breath and tried to calm the erratic beat of her heart.

“You liked it.” Kelli did not pose it as a question.

“Yes.” Somehow, Nora was breathless again.

For a moment, the air in the car disappeared and left behind a thick molten heat.

Kelli stopped at a red light, which seemed to strengthen the current buzzing between them. Nora shifted. She uncrossed and re-crossed her legs. She was aware of Kelli’s gaze. It made her burn. Nora swallowed. Unable to resist, Nora met Kelli’s gaze again. Her usually sparkling green eyes were dark and beckoning. Nora’s awareness of Kelli quickly morphed into arousal.

Music blared loudly, accompanied by bone-rattling bass from a passing car. The sounds startled Nora and pulled her from the moment. Then, they were moving again. Nora tried to take a deep breath but found that she couldn’t.

“I am in so much trouble,” Kelli mumbled.

“Excuse me?” Nora asked. Trouble? Yes, she could consider this a whole new level of trouble.

“Nothing. Just something Travis told me.”

“I see.”

“So do I,” Kelli said. The smile in her voice was obvious.

“Pardon?” Nora asked.

“Nothing.”

“Something else Travis told you?” Nora, stimulated by Kelli’s words, as well as her presence, she didn’t want this feeling to end.

“Nope. Figured it out on my own. I am a detective, you know.”

“Mmm, I’m curious. What else have you figured out?” Nora knew she was skirting a line, but she always did with Kelli.

Kelli laughed. It was deep, raspy. “Maybe I’ll save that one for later.” She cleared her throat. “Speaking of detecting, maybe both of us will be back at work soon. I’ll be pushing papers for a while.”

Nora accepted the change of subject that Kelli offered. It gave her time to gather herself. “That won’t be pleasant for you, I imagine.”

“Not at all. Neither will seeing the department psych, but I’ll be there. That’s what counts, I suppose.” Kelli paused. “I bet you can’t wait to get work again either. Has to be something holding all that life in your hands.”

The thought of going back to work was exhilarating, but Nora attempted to be practical as well. “I’m confident the suit will be dropped, but discussing it may be a bit premature. The deposition could go on long—”

Kelli snorted. “No, it won’t. Three more meetings, maximum, and we’re done. Wanna bet?”

“I don’t thi—”

Kelli interrupted her. “Oh come on! Live a little.”

And just like that the flutter in Nora’s stomach was back. “What are the terms?”

“Holy shit! You’re serious?” Kelli stared at her before turning back to the road.

“You asked.”

Kelli groaned. “Dear God, don’t start that again.”

Nora could not help herself. She smiled.

“I don’t know what my terms are yet. What do you want?” Kelli asked her.

That was a loaded question if Nora had ever heard one. There were many places she could go with it. “Dinner at my favorite restaurant.”

“Hmm.” Kelli fell silent. “Is it the kind of place that has a million little forks and I’m supposed to know when to use—”

“Yes.” Nora interrupted. This was an odd discussion to say the least.

“Let’s just hope that I win, then.”

* * *

Tom Young entered the conference room with a laptop under his arm. Nora tried to read his expression, but he gave nothing away. Nora glanced at Kelli. As if she could feel Nora’s gaze, Kelli looked up. She closed the
Sports Illustrated
magazine and threw it back on the table.

Kelli gave her a tentative smile.

Tom sat down, peering at them both. “Pity you didn’t sit in. It was a thing of beauty. I think we have them. We had to end things early with Dr. Rader because…” He chuckled. “You’ll see.” Tom opened the laptop and hit a few keys before turning it toward them. “I don’t think I need to call him back. I gave them forty-eight hours to stew in it, and if Dr. Fuller doesn’t withdraw, I’ll tear into her as well. I definitely think you should be present for that.”

Nora’s attention went from her lawyer to the laptop and back again. She nodded, but her heart roared in her ears. This really was almost over. Her gaze turned to Kelli. She was smirking.

“Told you so,” Kelli teased.

That smirk and those words were exasperating and exhilarating all at once—just like Kelli herself. Nora reached for Kelli’s hand. She entwined their fingers, making the touch all the more intimate. Nora smiled and for once let herself enjoy the connection between them unfettered. “Yes, you did,” Nora agreed. “You may proceed, Mr. Young.”

Tom reached around the laptop and clicked the mouse.

After being sworn in, Radar stated his full name.

Angela Perkins smiled at him. “Thank you for being here today, Dr. Rader. Dr. Fuller is grateful for your help.”

Rader nodded, but he looked clammy and pale.

“Is there a question in there somewhere?” Tom asked.

“Let’s move on,” Angela said. “You are a mentor of sorts to Dr. Fuller, as well as her lover, correct?”

“Yes.”

“She came to you with these allegations, and you encouraged her to take action?”

“Yes. Her demeanor had changed over the course of the past couple of months. I knew something was wrong. I never guessed it would be this.”

Even though Rader’s words were meant to be accusatory, his tone didn’t hit the mark. He squirmed in his seat and adjusted his tie. Not for the first time, Nora wondered what in the world had attracted her to this man in the first place.

Kelli snorted and shook her head. “He sounds like he’s in a soap opera.”

Nora shushed her but smiled as she diverted her attention back to the computer screen.

“So, you encouraged your current lover to reveal these things about your former lover?” Angela asked.

“Yes, I’m aware of how it sounds, but it was the right thing to do. It’s sickening really, because until recently, Dr. Whitmore was still coming after me.”

“Dr. Whitmore stipulates that she ended your relationship. Do you have a different account?” Angela continued.

“I was engaged at the time, when she first started pursuing me. I had to break it off with Nora and try to save my relationship. It didn’t help, but that’s beside the point.”