Nora was different, that much was obvious. She was freer and more open than before, but Kelli had questions. Did Nora change because she had been forced to or because she wanted to? It shouldn’t matter, but for some reason it did. This was a discussion they needed to have sooner rather than later.
Kelli moved to the front of the elevator and stepped out when the doors opened.
Travis was sleeping when she entered. Kelli pulled a chair close to the bed and sank into it. She began to crinkle the bag.
His forehead scrunched. When his eyes fluttered, she reached inside and removed the lid to steal a fry.
“Don’t even think about it.” Even though his eyes were cloudy with sleep, Travis still glared.
Kelli chuckled and ate the fry anyway.
He snatched the bag from her hand. “Thank you…bitch.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
He was quiet while he ate, but his gaze pretty much stayed on her. Kelli knew what was coming. “Talked to Sean a little while ago. I know you apologized to him. He’s more hurt right now than anything, just to let you know.”
“I figured.” Kelli peered down at her hands. She should be fucking ashamed. And she was.
“It’ll blow over. He wants you to think the best of him. He looks up to you—”
“And I made him feel useless and incompetent.”
Travis’s eyes widened. It didn’t keep him from nodding his head in agreement. “Yeah, exactly. You know, he told me this story once about when you guys were kids. You rescued him from some bully. Mark something?”
“Brunner. I beat the shit out of him. So what?”
“Apparently, it was a huge fucking thing for Sean. The thing he remembers most about growing up was you taking care of them. I think… No, I know, he thought it was his turn.”
The knowledge startled her, and Kelli realized that Sean was more like her than she’d realized. “I didn’t—”
“I know you didn’t. Just give him a couple of days. He’ll come to you when he’s ready. Don’t push him.”
“I know. I won’t.” Kelli stared at Travis. “How are you the only one not mad at me? I’m sure I probably treated you like shit too, and for all I know, I may not even be done.”
“You’d better be, and to answer your question, you know me. After dealing with my dad, shit that would send everybody else screaming the other way, I stand there waiting for it. Well…not stand, recently.” His grin was sheepish.
Kelli groaned and smirked. “That was an awful joke.”
“Hey, if I can’t laugh at myself, who can I laugh at?”
“Williams,” they said in chorus.
Kelli roared with laughter. “God, I needed that.”
“I know you did.” For a few seconds, he studied her. “You and the doc are talking, huh?”
Kelli’s mouth dropped open. “How did you…never mind.” Of course he knew. “You’re spooky as hell sometimes.”
Travis laughed. “If that’s what you want to call it. I think it’s pretty obvious.”
“Do you guys ever turn it off?” Williams asked as he walked in.
They both turned his way. Kelli was surprised. He didn’t say anything about stopping by, but then again, neither did she.
“Were your ears burning, old man?” Travis asked.
Williams’s eyes narrowed. “Aren’t they always?” His gaze zeroed in on the container of fries. “She never brings me anything.” He pulled up the other chair, close to Kelli.
Kelli rolled her eyes.
“That’s because I have a high metabolism. It just rolls off me. Yours goes straight to…” Travis pointed at Williams’s stomach. “Let’s not state the obvious.”
“Did you two want to be alone?” Kelli asked with a smirk.
Williams squeezed Kelli’s shoulder and chuckled. The coffee he brought her earlier and now a reassuring touch. By themselves, they weren’t much, but combined, the gestures meant the world. A sense of relief washed over her. They had been through other crappy times together, and it helped to know that they were going to get through this one.
Travis smiled and looked at them both as if he knew. Of course he did.
CHAPTER 12
Kelli wouldn’t call what she felt nervousness. There were a shitload of other things thrown in such as excitement, apprehension, and even a little fear. Nora was on her way. She needed this. They needed this. There was too much between them not to work at it, and she was willing to set her own wariness aside and do her part.
She heard familiar voices in the hallway. Kelli moved toward the entrance and opened the door. Nora was talking with Mrs. Landau.
“I assume everyone likes Chinese food. I wasn’t sure what you would order, so I brought an array of soups and lighter dishes.”
Mrs. Landau looked as if she was about to cry. She smiled and nodded, as Nora transferred the bag into her hands.
“Do you need some help with that?” Kelli asked.
Mrs. Landau shook her head and continued to smile. “Thank you, but no.” She stepped back and slowly closed her door.
Well, if that wasn’t a sign, Kelli didn’t know what the fuck to call it. Mrs. Landau had a way of weeding out the crazies with a nice cold glare. She’d never done that to Nora, and now she had even talked to her. Kelli opened her door wider, letting Nora inside. “She likes you, but I’ve told you that before.”
“The times I’ve been here, I’ve never seen or heard anybody visit her. I know what it’s like not to have anybody even if, for me, it was by choice.”
Kelli took the remaining bags from Nora’s hands. Their fingers brushed in the exchange. Like always, sparks ignited, shooting all the way up her arm. Kelli was glad the high-powered buzz between them hadn’t diminished, because the shit was delicious.
They moved with practiced ease around the kitchen. Kelli gathered utensils and plates, and Nora filled them. The quiet that surrounded them was the comfortable kind. Kelli uncorked the wine, but turned when she heard the refrigerator open. A few seconds later, a bottle of Hoppyum IPA appeared next to her plate.
Kelli was a little surprised. “I was gonna have wine with you.”
“I appreciate the gesture, but since the first time I bought it for you, this has been the beer you drink when we eat Chinese.”
Their gazes met. A slow smile curled Kelli’s lips, but she didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to. Nora’s mouth curved upward in response. Apparently, Nora paid attention too.
Now, sitting on the sofa, Kelli groaned in delight as she dug into her Mongolian beef. “You didn’t go to our usual place.”
Nora wiped her mouth. “No, according to Yelp, this one had better reviews. I have to agree. Besides the taste, what gave it away?”
“They actually used vermicelli in the Mongolian beef. Pho’s doesn’t do that.” Kelli pointed with her fork. “How’s the lobster sauce?”
“Very good. You want to try some this time?”
Ah, hell no. Kelli scrunched her nose. “No, it still looks like snot with vegetables in it.”
Nora chuckled.
*
After putting the plates in the sink, Kelli walked back into the living room with another beer in hand. Before sitting, she refilled Nora’s wine glass. Kelli tipped her beer back for a long pull as she sat down. There was plenty of space between them. It didn’t keep the warmth from brewing. Kelli turned toward Nora. She watched Kelli from over the rim of her wine glass, her honey-brown eyes warm and inviting.
“You’ve made friends,” Kelli said.
“I don’t know…possibly? Yes.” Nora sounded a little unsure. She blushed and glanced away.
“How’d that happen?”
Nora was smiling when she looked back. “Susan, one of the floor nurses, we ran into each other, literally. She was rather insistent, bold. It reminded me of you, and I couldn’t resist.” Nora paused. “She’s an older woman.”
“Hmm.” Kelli didn’t say anything else. She didn’t want to interrupt right n
ow. She had the feeling Nora had more to say.
Nora looked thoughtful. “I didn’t want to be alone anymore, and it felt right.” For several seconds, she said nothing. She sat there, perfectly poised, with her hands in her lap.
“I’m glad you branched out. People aren’t all assholes. There are some good ones out there. I didn’t corner the market.” Kelli pointed to herself then back to Nora. “What does this feel like?”
Nora held Kelli’s gaze quietly, but it was intense enough that Kelli could almost hear the gears turning.
“Better.”
Kelli continued to stare. She didn’t know how to respond to that, but it didn’t sound very promising.
“I meant to say that I feel more settled by it. There’s less interference…less fear. I’m more afraid, now, that this won’t work because of what we did to it.”
Kelli nodded. It was a relief to hear that out loud. “Yeah, me too. I’m not sure what to do about it.”
“Things like this…I suppose.”
“You mean talking?” Kelli asked.
“Yes, and general interaction,” Nora said.
“Yeah, I hope so.”
Nora reached for her wine glass and took a sip before setting it back on the table. “I wanted to ask before, but I wasn’t sure how you would react. I didn’t want you to think I was doing it to improve appearances.”
“What?” Kelli asked, curiously.
“Is there…news about your brother, Antony? I can’t help but worry for you and your family.”
Kelli blinked. It was a subject that hadn’t really come up over the past few days. She wasn’t sure if that was a bad thing or not. “I… Did you think I was going to take your head off or something?”
“You equate my leaving that night with the incident with your brother.” The regret in Nora’s eyes was plain to see.
“I don’t. It’s just something I made up in my head, I think. Look, I don’t want to burden you—”
“You’re not. I was there then. I want to be here now. I’m not faking my interest,” Nora said.
“I know. I just don’t want to add any stress on us. Don’t we have enough?” Kelli was getting aggravated. She tried to shake it off. This just wasn’t the time.
“That isn’t the issue. It’s a part of you. So, I want to know. Just answer the question, please?” Tension rolled off Nora’s body.
Shit, why was Nora pushing her about this? Kelli didn’t say anything, but the fierceness behind Nora’s words was surprising. Kelli felt a small flutter in her chest as if something slid into place. Something good.
“I’m sorry. I—”
“No, it’s okay,” Kelli said. “We know the general vicinity of where he is. He’s just lying low. He has his own territory now. He’s dealing.”
Nora gasped, and at the same time, she reached for Kelli’s hand. “You must be—”
“I’ve had better days, yeah.” Kelli looked down at their linked hands, then back at Nora. She enjoyed the touch, but she was still a little unsure.
Nora must have seen something in her eyes. She tried to pull away, but Kelli wouldn’t let her. Kelli squeezed her hand. “You did this earlier today because you wanted to. Are you doing it now because of what I told you?” Dammit, that didn’t really come out right. It barely made sense.
Nora’s forehead wrinkled, a sure sign of confusion. “I don’t understand what you’re asking.”
“Are you holding my hand because you want to, or is it just because of the shit with Antony?” Kelli’s second question didn’t sound that much better. She had a point in there somewhere.
“Both. Is that wrong?” Nora asked.
“No, I just needed to know. I don’t want you doing anything that you don’t—”
“Oh, I think I understand, and I appreciate that. But, what about the things that I do want to do?”
Nora’s confusion was catching, because what the hell? “What do you mean?”
Nora’s gaze slid to her lips. Her eyes darkened.
Oh. Oh, shit. Kelli swallowed as fire exploded in her chest and dribbled low. It was amazing how all things led back to this…this connection between them…this searing heat.
Nora exhaled shakily and moved closer. Apparently, Kelli’s silence and whatever shined in her eyes was invitation enough. They continued to hold hands. Nora’s thumb passed over Kelli’s knuckles, rhythmically as if she was trying to relax her. Kelli wasn’t sure if she wanted to be calm.
Nora slid her other arm over the back of the couch. She licked her lips. Kelli could count on one hand the amount of times Nora had reached out to her like this. Knowing that made the gesture more meaningful. She could smell the wine on Nora’s breath, and she remembered what it tasted like on her lips. Anxious to know again, Kelli waited. Her heart was beating so hard she could actually hear it. Nora had to do this. She needed to do this for both of them.
“Kelli,” Nora said so softly Kelli could barely hear, but she felt it deep in her stomach. Before she could bask in the intensity between them, Nora’s mouth brushed against her own. The kiss was somehow sweet, tentative, and needy all at once. Then, she was gone.
When Nora pulled away, her chest was heaving, and her lips were moist. Kelli couldn’t look away. Abruptly, Nora tangled her hand in Kelli’s hair. She gasped at the suddenness and the blatant hunger in Nora’s eyes. When their lips met again, Nora was relentless, as if she were starving. The kiss was open, wet, and uneven. Kelli groaned and pulled Nora across her lap. Nora’s tongue flicked over the roof of her mouth, and flames licked at Kelli’s insides.
Kelli couldn’t hold back.
She didn’t want to.
With a growl, she matched Nora’s enthusiasm.
Nora whimpered in return.
Desire flared inside her, along with a host of other emotions. They reached deep, leaving Kelli feeling scorched.
It was Nora who softened the caress once more. Open-mouth kisses became pecks and nips on now sensitized, swollen flesh. When she pulled back, Kelli reluctantly let her go.
Nora’s eyes were hooded, but a flash of golden brown was visible. As if she was unable to stop or get enough, Nora’s fingertips trailed from Kelli’s cheek to her lips.
“I’ve missed this,” Nora said.
“Me too.” There was one thing Kelli realized now more than ever. Nora wanted this thing between them, and she had made it perfectly clear.
*
Nora made a disappointed sound as she scanned the latest bloodwork of a critically ill patient. She brought a fork laden with left over fried rice and shrimp to her mouth, as she flipped the page. There was a knock at her office door. The visitor didn’t wait for permission to enter.
“There is no reason for you to eat alone, you know?” Susan said.
“I know. It’s a working lunch.”
“Okay, you’re forgiven.” Susan sat down.
Nora glanced at her, offering a soft smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I just want you to know that I was elected to be the one to break the news to you. You can cry on my shoulder if you want.”
Nora pushed her lunch away and gave Susan her full attention. Curiosity got the better of her. “I have Kleenex if I need them.”
Susan smirked and then laughed out loud. “Did you just make a joke? A sarcastic one at that.”
“I try.”
“You’re getting pretty good at it.”
“Again, thank you.”
“Anyway, I just wanted to let you know we’re not going to take no for an answer. You and Kelli have to come out with us tonight.”
“Oh, I forgot to let Patricia know. We’re coming.”
“Distracted are we?”
Nora picked up a chart and brought it to her face.
Susan chuckled. “Tsk, that’s a dead giveaway. I know you’re blushing.”
“I don’t—” Nora put the chart back down. “Yes, well.”
“Things are going good I take it?”
“Good.” There were a million other ways to describe them, but that word seemed the safest.
Susan rolled her eyes. “Better than good. I can tell, but I won’t push. I’ll let you get back to work. See you tonight.”
Nora smiled and nodded.
A police siren sounded a few seconds after Susan left. Nora’s smile grew. Kelli had changed her ring tone and text notification. Something about needing to make an entrance even when she wasn’t around. Nora picked her phone up off the desk and pressed the home button, highlighting the text.
Hey, can u talk?
Instead of replying, Nora dialed Kelli’s number.
“Well, I guess that answers my question.”
“I hope so,” Nora said.
“I was eating leftovers, and I thought about you.”
“As leftovers?” Nora asked, knowing Kelli would pick up on the teasing in her voice.
“Ha ha, fine. There isn’t really a time when I’m not thinking about you.”
Warmth spread through her.
“Too soon?” Kelli asked.
“No, I…not at all. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to someone talking to me that way.” Nora paused. “I’m eating leftovers as well.”
“Good. Is that code for you were thinking about me too?”
Wanting to be open, Nora said, “Yes, at this point, there shouldn’t be any doubt about that.”
“Careful.”
“What? Why?”
“You saying stuff like that makes me really wanna be there right now.” Kelli’s tone lowered an octave.
A tingle shot through Nora and landed low in her stomach. “Why?”
“You know why.”
“Maybe I want to hear you say it.”
“To touch you…to fucking breathe you. I don’t know…everything?”
Crossing Lines Page 15