Crossing Lines (Cops and Docs #2) (29 page)

Their gazes met and held. Again, he was the first to look away.

Kelli pressed the phone closer to her ear. “Tony?”

“Sentencing is next Wednesday,” Antony said. His voice was small, raspy.

No matter the words, Kelli was glad to hear him speak. She leaned toward him. “I know. We’ll be there…all of us.”

“Take care…take care of Mom.”

“Yeah, but that’s your job too. Call her. She needs to hear from you.”

Antony didn’t answer.

“Just think about it. You’re angry with me and Sean. Don’t keep taking it out on her.”

He hung up the phone. Tony stood and motioned for the guard. Kelli tapped the glass again and motioned for him to pick up. He didn’t hesitate this time.

“What?”

“I know why you’re doing this. You made a choice between a shitty decision and an even shittier one. Fucking sucks, but stay safe.”

Tony stared at her. His expression didn’t give away a damn thing. He hung up the phone again, and the guard grasped his elbow. She watched him as he started to walk away, leaving a humongous hole inside her. Tony looked over his shoulder, as the guard opened the door. He met Kelli’s gaze and nodded.

Kelli blinked as tears prickled her eyes. He didn’t give her much, but goddamn, it was something.

* * *

“Nooo, don’t stir it. Use the spoon to mash the sausage into smaller bits,” Carina said.

“Why can’t I use a spatula?” Kelli asked irritably.

“Because, I gave you a spoon.”

Kelli rolled her eyes and started to stab at the skillet.

“Now, you’re just being an ass.”

Kelli grumbled, but secretly, she sighed in relief. Kelli had been right. Her mother was a lot stronger than before. Despite finding out about the second murder, she somehow pulled it together. Carina stopped wallowing and throwing blame around. Like a true badass Italian matriarch, she brought the family together with food, and instead of putting it all on her own shoulders, everybody had a job. The mood was somber here and there, but Kelli didn’t feel as if they were a breath away from rock bottom.

“Who cares if it’s chunky? I sure as hell don’t,” Kelli asked as she separated a big glob of sausage.

“We have a guest. I want it done right.”

“He’s not a guest!” Kelli and Sean said at the same time. Kelli glanced over her shoulder at her brother. They rolled their eyes at each other, and he went back to chopping tomatoes.

“My
Amatricana
is Antony’s favorite, but he couldn’t just have pancetta. He wanted sausage too.” Carina chuckled.

Kelli’s grip on the wooden spoon tightened as she waited for more. This could go either way. They could all end in tears or laughing.

“With Italian dressing,” Sean said.

Their mother laughed again. “It’s disgusting. I’ve tried it. I don’t know where he gets that from.”

Kelli relaxed and smiled. “He’d eat all the bread, trying to clear the sauce off his plate.” She knew it was their way of accepting that it was going to be a long time before he was with them again, but as long as he kept his mouth shut, he’d be safe. Maybe by the time Antony got out, Cole would be another dead drug dealer. Men like him didn’t have a long shelf life, and the DEU was itching to bring him down, one way or another. Kelli was going to be there to help.

Carina walked by and squeezed Kelli’s shoulder as she passed. “He’s gonna come out of this in one piece, and I’m gonna make sure this is his first meal, Italian dressing and all.”

Her mother had faith, and for the first time in a while, Kelli did too. Regardless, things were as good as they could be, given the circumstances.

Kelli fished her phone out of her pocket. She highlighted the only message she’d received from Nora.

Thinking of you. Will call as soon as I can. Back to back emergency surgeries.

Was soon here yet? Damn. They had a lot to talk about.

There was a loud thump against the kitchen door.

“What the hell…?” Sean glanced at her.

Kelli shrugged and abandoned the sausage to investigate. She pulled open the door to find Travis and his wheelchair. He smiled up at her.

“Bored. Anything I can do to help?” He wheeled into the kitchen.

“You can cook?” Carina asked.

“Hell no.”

Carina snorted. “I knew you were perfect for Kelli.” She pointed at a pan on the counter. “Bread goes in at 350 degrees for thirty minutes.”

“Got it.” Travis followed orders just as well as Carina’s other kids.

The doorbell rang.

Carina wiped her hands on a towel. “I’m not expecting anyone.”

“I’ll get it,” Travis said.

Sean opened the door to let him out.

Curious, Kelli went to follow.

“Oh no…you’re gonna let it burn.”

Kelli sighed and went back to her skillet. She checked her phone again. Nothing. Unable to take it anymore, Kelli typed a quick message.

You still busy?

A police siren sounded. Kelli’s stomach dropped.

Travis re-entered with the help of a guest. “Look what I dragged in.”

Nora was right behind him.

“Oh thank God! Somebody who actually knows what she’s doing,” Carina said.

Nora grinned. “I knew you’d still be here. I thought I’d come lend a hand.”

“Yeah, mine are cramping up. Get over here.” Kelli smirked.

Nora met her gaze, her expression was soft, full of wonder, and most of all, love. Nora moved closer.

Everyone else melted away.

“Your…sausage is burning,” Nora said breathlessly.

“I don’t smell anything.” Kelli could barely remember to breathe. Who gave a fuck about sausage?

Nora grinned and pulled the spoon from Kelli’s hand. “It doesn’t matter. I like sausage…with a little char.”

Kelli’s heart hammered against her chest. Electricity buzzed up and down her spine.

Nora pushed Kelli to the side. She rested one hand against Kelli’s stomach, while she tended to the meat with the other. The kitchen was quiet as hell, and Kelli was aware that her family was watching. Did it matter? Nora was a part of it, and she couldn’t look away.

When Nora was done, she leaned into Kelli. “I think…” She paused. “No…I love you.”

Kelli’s knees weakened. Holy shit. Seeing the emotions in Nora’s eyes was amazing, but didn’t even come close to hearing the words aloud.

“Well…I don’t like burned anything! Both of you out of my kitchen. You’re just a distraction.” Carina shooed them away from the stove.

Carina smiled at them, and Kelli grinned in return. She heard the whole thing, but Kelli didn’t need to be told twice to get out. Sausage wasn’t her priority anymore. Not that it ever was. She plucked the spoon from Nora’s hand and dragged her out of the kitchen.

In the hallway, near her childhood bedroom, Kelli pressed Nora against the wall.

Nora gasped. “Kelli.” Her tone was gentle but full of need. She wrapped her arms around Kelli, bringing her as close as possible.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Kelli said, as she brushed Nora’s mouth with hers. Their lips clung to each other, but reluctantly, Kelli pulled back. She touched Nora’s cheek. Her hand trembled.
Everything
trembled. “I love you too.”

CHAPTER 19

The silky skin of Nora’s inner thighs brushed against Kelli’s ears, and her heels dug into Kelli’s back, but the pressure had eased. Kelli stared at damp flesh and kissed it before looking up and over the flat plain of Nora’s stomach. She had to stop and savor the view because…damn.

Kelli watched as Nora slowly fell back to earth. She noticed the signs. The red flush that stained Nora’s skin started to lighten. Her ragged breathing was evening out, and her golden brown eyes fluttered open. Kelli loved Nora this way, boneless and damn near out of it. Kelli used her elbows to lift herself up and inch forward. Unashamedly, she rubbed every ounce of skin she could manage against Nora. In turn, Nora arched upward and whimpered. She clutched at Kelli as if trying to get closer.

Kelli sought out Nora’s kiss-swollen lips and drank from them thirstily. Her body hummed with need, but she refused to rush. Right now, time didn’t mean shit, even though each passing minute brought the reality of Tony’s sentencing hearing with it. After today, after the judge banged the gavel, things would change big time. She pushed her thoughts of Antony aside. He had no place here in this moment.

Kelli deepened her caress. They had been at this since sunrise, each touch seamless, leading directly to the next. Kelli didn’t want this…these moments…to end. This need for Nora wasn’t a product of avoidance or loss. It was a celebration of everything Kelli had gained—a woman who understood her and loved her, regardless.

Nora moaned as Kelli’s kisses went from demanding to feather light. She whispered into Nora’s open mouth, “I don’t wanna stop.”

Nora’s nails dug into her shoulders, and her hips rolled in response. “Then don’t.”

Kelli’s breath caught. “You couldn’t possibly—” Words left her as Nora’s thigh pressed against her sex, touching all the right places. Kelli groaned in appreciation and bore down. This was going to be so fucking good.

“It can’t…always be about me,” Nora said.

Unable to help herself, Kelli’s hips began to undulate. Nora trailed her nails down her back, leaving fire in their wake. Her hands moved over Kelli’s ass, grasping at her and urging her on. Then, just like that, Kelli’s control slipped. She bucked and cried out. Her body wasn’t her own…not anymore. Nora could do whatever the hell she wanted. She couldn’t be in safer hands.

“Nora,” Kelli said with a whimper. Her eyes slid shut, and she held on for the ride. Sweat intensified the slide of their grinding bodies.

“Yesss.”

Their mouths touched, but Kelli was denied the passion she suddenly craved.

“You like…seeing me come apart,” Nora said huskily. She nipped at Kelli’s bottom lip. Nora flexed her thigh and her thrusts grew stronger, bathing Kelli in her renewed arousal. “The way I sound…the way I melt against you.”

What the hell was she doing to her? Something stirred in Kelli’s belly. It uncoiled hotly and seeped lower. Instead of using words, she moaned. Kelli was sure Nora was trying to drive her crazy, but she was so okay with that.

“But all I have to do is say a few words…touch you…and you’re exactly the same.” Nora’s tone grew breathless and thick with need.

The cadence of Kelli’s hips doubled. Her arousal soared upward.

“I love that you…want me. I love…” Nora’s words trailed off as she whimpered and got caught up in her own pleasure. “…that you can’t wait…to be inside me.” Nora’s voice went up an octave. Her body jerked hungrily. “God…Kelli.”

Kelli was taken by the sound of her…the feel of her. An electrolyzed tingle started between her legs and pushed its way outward. Kelli gasped, loudly, when Nora’s hand tangled in her hair and pulled just hard enough to make it hot. Kelli opened her eyes.

Their gazes met.

“I love…the way you give in to me,” Nora said brokenly. Her pupils were blown, but it felt as if Nora had been watching her the whole time.

Those words, that gaze, and the slick skin beneath her sent Kelli spiraling. She cried out as the tingles became large jolts of pleasure. Nora moaned loudly, and her body thrashed.

Words fell from Kelli’s lips, but she had no idea what she was saying. Everything around her grayed until all she could feel was Nora.

* * *

Kelli couldn’t move, so she rested against Nora. She made a little happy sound as Nora’s arms tightened around her.

“So, I guess we’re stopping.”

Kelli lifted her head. “Seriously?” she asked. “You were there, right? Five or six minutes ago? That was…I don’t even know what that was…”

Nora’s body shook with laughter. “I most certainly was there. You didn’t hear me?” Her voice dropped an octave.

Kelli shivered. “Stop it.”

Nora laughed harder.

“You have issues.” Kelli chuckled.

“Mmm.”

“Mmm-hmm.” She nipped at Nora’s chin. “Thanks for taking off today.”

“There’s no need to thank me. I would have even if you hadn’t asked.”

Kelli glanced at the clock. The hearing started in three hours. She sighed and let reality in…the fucker. Nora caressed her cheek.

“We can stay like this for as long as you want.”

Kelli’s lips curled upward. “I’m okay. I think I’ve just about come to terms with it.”

“He’s alive. That’s the most important thing.”

“Yeah, and he’d better stay that way. He’s sacrificing his freedom for that piece of shit, but I’m happy as fuck we didn’t get the phone call those two other guys’ families did.” Kelli sighed. “Ten to fifteen years though. That’s a long time.”

“You’ve done everything you could. You’re a cop, Kelli. You can’t perform miracles.”

You’re a cop.
Kelli wrapped her mind around those words. There was one thing she hadn’t done. It was a long shot, but then, she could say she had actually tried everything and lay this to rest. “Maybe.” She stared at Nora for a few seconds as determination set in.

“What?”

“I—there’s something I have to do,” Kelli said.

“For Antony?”

Untangling herself from Nora, Kelli sat up. “Yeah, for Antony.”

“I’m coming with you.”

Kelli smiled. “Trust me when I say I appreciate the gesture.”

“It’s not a gesture,” Nora said.

“You know what I mean.” She grabbed Nora’s hand. “I need to do this. Alone. I know you’re here, and I love you for that.”

Nora squeezed her hand and nodded. “We’ll talk about this later?”

“Yeah, we will.” Kelli leaned in for a quick kiss and then stood.

* * *

As the elevator moved up, Kelli wiped her sweaty palms on her pants. Despite the people crowded around her, Kelli stayed in the front. She stared at the numbers and tried to prepare herself for possible failure. It sucked having to do that, but she knew better. When she got to the sixth floor, Kelli stepped off.

After taking a deep fortifying breath, Kelli walked into the suite of offices. She smiled and held up the bag in her hand, shaking it.

“Morning, Jeanie. I brought chocolate covered croissants.”