Blurred Lines by KD Williamson (37 page)

“BP is rising,” Dr. Ford relayed with enthusiasm.

“And Mr. Brown gets to see another day. Would you like to close, Dr. Ford?” Nora peered at her and waited.

“Was that rhetorical?” Dr. Ford asked warily.

“Not at all. A ‘yes’ or ‘no’ will do.”

“Hell yes!”

The resident’s eagerness was almost endearing. Dr. Ford’s eyes widened. “You’re gonna stay though, right?”

“This team is more than competent, but if that’s what you need, I will,” Nora said.

All eyes turned toward Nora. They all looked surprised. She cleared her throat. “I give praise when it’s due, but all of you deserve it. Consistently.”

And…they just kept staring.

Decidedly uncomfortable, Nora murmured, “Mr. Brown is waiting.”

The statement snapped everyone back to attention. Nora observed the remainder of the surgery and endured the continued gazes of her team. Their stares didn’t feel invasive. They seemed more inquisitive. Nora knew she was as proficient as ever as a doctor, but the wall she kept around herself wasn’t nearly as high as it used to be. Obviously, people were starting to notice, and that felt surprisingly good.

Less than an hour later, Nora was removing soiled gloves and other protective gear. The surgical nurses and tech were laughing when they entered the room. She had her back to them. Out of habit, Nora stiffened, but she relaxed within seconds. Nora turned slightly and one of the nurses, Patricia, caught her gaze. She smiled tentatively at Nora.

Nora smiled back. Maybe it was time to give people a chance. She did with Kelli, and look what she got in return.

* * *

Nora unlocked her office door. As she walked in, a white envelope slid across the room after she inadvertently kicked it. Nora embraced the giddy sense of anticipation that filled her. She picked the envelope up, and put her charts on the desk. For the moment, the note in her hand held more importance. How could it not? It was from Kelli. Carefully, Nora opened it. She skimmed the words quickly then read at a slower pace. She welcomed a familiar heat to her face, and her heart constricted as well. They were just words written on a piece of paper, but they had tremendous power. Nora was even more moved today than she was when she got the first one. Unable to resist, she opened her desk drawer and pulled out the initial correspondence. Reading it again made her smile just as wide.

Hey,

I’m not a romantic. If I was, I would have done this when you first came back to work or had your office overrun with flowers. To tell the truth, I don’t know why I’m doing it now. Actually, yeah, I do. I got used to spending the day with you. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy you’re back at work. It’s where you belong, but I think you belong with me too. Don’t forget that. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I miss you already. Look! It only took me about forty words to say it! I’m growing…or something. Let me add a caveat. Or should I have done that at the beginning? Are you impressed? It’s a sexy word, caveat. Anyway, I’m warning you, if you tell anybody about this…mainly Travis or my brother (they have their ways), there will be no more tongue or any kind of other action for you. Okay, I’m lying about that part, so sue me. Haha…is it too soon? If I don’t see you until tonight, you’ll have this. It’s kinda like talking.

Later,

Kelli

Nora refolded the note and stared at the new one. It was short but no less poignant. 
I can’t stop thinking about you.
 Nora was in awe. Kelli was always giving to those who needed her, but Nora was sure that she had a special piece that no one else got to touch. She was extremely grateful for that caliber of gift. Then, there was the myriad of little things that Kelli did that always seemed to add up to something gargantuan. Like the notes. Nora was starting to wonder if she was adequately returning the gesture. She shared her body. She let her mind wander for a second, recalling what Kelli tasted like, felt like, and sounded like. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sizzle of electricity that flashed over her nerve endings. For the first time, Nora had no qualms about Kelli, about their relationship. She wanted to move forward. It was time to accept who she had become. Nora pulled herself away from recent memories with some difficulty. Yes, she shared her body and provided comfort when Kelli needed it. But had she given enough of herself? Nora glanced at the letter once more and hoped that Kelli would never find her to be a disappointment in that department. Giving was a process, and Nora was in the novice stage. She looked at her watch. An idea struck. Nora stood and made her way out the door.

As she entered the PT room, Nora spotted Kelli and Dan talking and laughing. The physical therapist nodded in her direction. Kelli turned, and the smile that graced her face was dazzling. All of Nora’s thought processes scattered, and her heart started to race. Amazing what one look could do. She had no idea what her expression held, but Kelli’s eyes darkened. Nora’s stomach tensed in reaction.

Dan cleared his throat. “Well, good to have you back, Dr. Whitmore.”

Nora briefly met his gaze. “Thank you.”

Kelli moved toward her. She stopped when they were mere inches apart, demanding all of Nora’s attention.

“Hey, not that I don’t love it, but what are you doing here?” She reached out, intent on touching Nora. At the last second, her hand fell away.

If Dan wasn’t there, Nora would have allowed the caress. She needed it. “It’s your last day. I wanted to show my support,” Nora told her.

“That it is. You came to give me a…sendoff?” Kelli asked teasingly.

Only Kelli McCabe could make a seemingly harmless word salacious. Amused, Nora grinned. “Maybe.”

“Mmm, did you get my note?” Kelli asked. Their bodies brushed. Nora felt hot and cold at the same time.

“I did,” Nora answered. She resisted the urge to close the small gap between them....just barely.

A door closed. Nora glanced around the room only to find that they were alone. It momentarily diffused the haze forming between them.

“That’s sweet of you to come here. I know you need to keep us separate from the hospital.” Obviously unable to help herself, Kelli trailed a finger down Nora’s forearm.

And that was all it took for sparks to ignite. Nora melted inside, and Kelli looked as though she would pounce at any minute. The air charged around them.

“I loved the way you looked at me when you first walked in,” Kelli whispered in Nora’s ear. Having Kelli so close sent tiny pinpricks of sensation throughout her body that settled with a jolt between her legs.

Nora’s mouth went dry. “How did I—”

“Like you were completely rattled. I’m the only one that’s ever done that to you.” It was far from a question. Kelli said it with confidence. “I’m so fucking proud of that.” Kelli’s lips grazed her cheek.

“Yes,” Nora said even though no question was asked. Yes, she wanted Kelli to touch her, and yes, being next to her eclipsed everything else. Her insides whorled violently. She turned toward the sound of Kelli’s voice. Their lips made soft contact. Nora’s breath caught and escaped as a whimper.

Kelli stepped away and ended the exchange before it really had a chance to start. Her chest heaved. Kelli was stiff, tense, and her eyes held enough heat to set the room ablaze. “I don’t think you have any idea how much I want you right now.”

That was far from the truth. Nora knew because she wanted Kelli too. She could feel it circling between them like a desire-laden feedback loop.

A man coughed and cleared his throat.

They both turned to see Dan. He scratched the back of his neck and gave them a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry. I hate to interrupt—”

The sound of Nora’s pager stopped his apology. Shaken, she nodded in his general direction before leaving the room. How on earth could she want Kelli more than she did before? This was going to take some getting used to.

“Don’t be mad.” Kelli had followed her. Nora knew she would. She turned toward her.

“I didn’t mean to start anything back there. You just…do something to me,” Kelli said.

Nora whispered, “I’m not upset believe me, but I do have to go. I’m sorry.”

“I know. It meant a lot, you coming down here.”

Nora stepped closer and grasped Kelli’s hand. She held on tightly. She searched for the right words to go with her actions. “You give…you just give, and I want to make sure I’m giving back. I need to be there for you”

“Nora, you are. I don’t need—”

“I can’t stop thinking about you either, and I don’t want to. If my actions haven’t been enough, I want to make sure you know that.”

Kelli’s smile was even more radiant than it was a few minutes earlier.

* * *

Kelli flexed her bicep and made a fist. The feeling was returning to her arm after the blood pressure cuff was removed. She looked at her family doctor hopefully.

“Your blood pressure is a little high.”

Kelli chuckled. Being around a woman like Nora would certainly keep it up there. “Still?” Kelli fidgeted. Her paper gown rasped against the protective tissue covering the examination table. Thank God this was her last doctor’s visit. She was tired as hell of being poked and prodded in these little rooms.

Dr. Emily Rainer stared and waited.

“Sorry, private joke,” Kelli said.

“Mmm hmm.” The doctor notated something in the chart. “Well, considering what you’ve been through, you’ve healed quickly. There is excellent mobility in your leg. According to the latest scans, there is minimal scarring in your lung. Let’s chalk it up to clean living and you being relatively young.”

Kelli smirked. “Gee, thanks.”

Dr. Rainer smiled, making the heavy lines around her eyes crinkle. “You’re welcome, smartass.”

“Mmm, I didn’t think I’d see you. I expected the nurse practitioner for something like this.”

“Considering you probably won’t need an appointment for a while, I thought I’d take over today.”

“Okay, so what’s the verdict?” Kelli held her breath. Dammit she wanted this. It would be shit if she had to wait after setting her sights on Monday.

“I’m releasing you to desk duty. A week tops. I see no reason to keep you out of the field any longer than that.”

Kelli grinned. “Wooo. I was sure you were gonna say two.”

Dr. Rainer pursed her lips and looked at Kelli teasingly. “I still can, you know.”

Kelli held up a hand in surrender. “No, no that’s fine. Let’s go with your first instinct.”

Dr. Rainer laughed. “Good, now how’s your family?”

“Mom’s still working her ass off. I’m sure she hasn’t been in to see you for a while.”

“You might be surprised.” The doctor smiled.

“Good to know,” Kelli said.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Uh-huh, and Sean is well…Sean. Antony—” Kelli stopped and shot some positive vibes into the universe. It had better fucking listen. No matter how they left things, he was still her brother. “He’s in rehab.”

Dr. Rainer sighed and patted Kelli’s knee. “Yeah, third time isn’t it?”

“Something like that.” Kelli answered. “Travis is up doing PT now. Six months, a year tops. I’m sure of it. I know you don’t know him, but—”

She squeezed Kelli’s knee before pulling away. “Family is relative. Anything else interesting going on?” Dr. Rainer looked at her expectantly.

Kelli glared. “I don’t believe that’s part of the exam.”

The doctor smirked. “I’ve known you for a long time, Kelli. Your mother longer. I can ask whatever the hell I want.”

Kelli laughed. “So, Mom has been here, and she’s been running her mouth.”

“I didn’t say that. To confirm anything would be a HIPAA violation.” Emily Rainer grinned.

Kelli continued to glare.

“A doctor, huh?”

Groaning, Kelli covered her face with her hands.

“That sounds like something interesting,” Dr. Rainer said.

“There are way too many fingers in my pie.” Kelli folded her arms over her chest.

Dr. Rainer snorted. “Was that a lesbian joke?”

“Oh God.”

“She must be something to make you blush like that.”

“It’s called embarrassment,” Kelli snarked.

“It’s called people who care looking out for you,” Dr. Rainer said gently, the teasing tone still coloring her voice.

Feeling properly admonished, Kelli met the doctor’s gaze. “Yeah, I know.”

They stared at each other for a few seconds. The doctor continued to look at her expectantly.

Amused, Kelli bit her bottom lip to keep from smirking.

“You’re not going to tell me anything are y—”

“Nope.” Kelli interrupted.

“Fine. I at least know she’s pretty.”

Kelli softened. That really wasn’t a strong enough word. She felt blood rush to her face. “She’s…” Her mouth opened but nothing else came out.

“Is she now?”

Kelli nodded.

Dr. Rainer chuckled. “I’ll leave you to get dressed.”

Kelli pulled her shirt over her head and smiled. No woman had ever made her speechless before, but she was starting to think it was a good thing.

* * *

Kelli fiddled with the holster on her belt to make sure it was secure. It felt good to wear it again, even though she was going to be sitting at a damn desk all day. The Glock was heavy on her hip, but Kelli had always liked the weight of it. She was dressed to sit on her ass in jeans and a button down shirt. Kelli glanced in the mirror. Her hair was perfect—not in the way, just how she liked it. She was ready to go. She picked up her towel and threw it toward the open hamper. It went in, for the most part. Kelli shrugged.

She reached for the door and opened it slowly. Damn thing had a tendency to creak, and Kelli didn’t want to wake Nora. They’d been up half the night, and it wasn’t just sex. They talked and laughed. Kelli smiled just thinking about it. She could get used to things being all comfortable and domestic. Anyway, she was up way too early, but she couldn’t help herself. She was fucking excited. Yeah, she had desk duty. She would still be in the thick of things where she could hear the guys grouse about their cases and their wives, and feel the excitement when a perp was collared. Some of the guys would welcome her back warmly with a pat on the back and others didn’t give a fuck.