Crossing Lines (Cops and Docs #2) (3 page)

“All right then. We’ll be at Beck’s if you change your mind,” Williams said.

He sounded disappointed. Why the hell did Travis always have to be right?

* * *

Kelli leaned against the kitchen island and watched as Nora bent over in front of the open refrigerator. The skirt she wore tightened around her hips and ass, giving Kelli quite the eyeful. Yes, she was indeed a pervert, and she loved every second of it.

“What do you want?” Nora asked.

Kelli chuckled and kept on looking.

A few seconds later, Nora glanced over her shoulder at Kelli. Her eyebrows shot up on her forehead as she tracked Kelli’s gaze. She smiled slightly. “To drink.”

Kelli laughed out right. That statement didn’t improve matters any. “Surprise me.”

Nora pulled out a bottle of Sweetwater 420.

“Good one.” The brand was Kelli’s beer choice at the moment…anything Sweetwater. Except for the blueberry kind. There was something about fruit in beer that didn’t sit well with her.

“Thank you.” Nora slid the beer across the counter toward her.

Nora watched her as she popped the cap with the opener on her keychain and took a swig. Kelli set the beer on the counter and stared right back. Nora looked a little ruffled. Her face was red and there was a faraway glint in her eyes. She’d seen that expression several times the last couple weeks. “What is that look for?”

Nora cleared her throat. “I’m sorry? What are you referring to?”

“When I…” Kelli glanced down at her beer then back to Nora. A light bulb turned on. “You get off on watching me drink beer?”

Nora’s face reddened even more. “Just out of the bottle.”

Kelli smirked. “And here I was thinking
I
was the pervert.”

Nora walked around the island and reached for the beer. “Not at all.” She took a small sip and grinned.

“Thank God.”

Nora took another drink.

“Can I have my beer back?”

“I actually like this one,” Nora said.

“I know. You drank half of it last time.”

Nora took a larger swig. She looked so damned dainty, but then, it hit Kelli. Nora may
appear
delicate, but she wasn’t some wilting, fucking flower. Somehow, Kelli knew she would fit into her life wherever she wanted her to and dress it up real nice. With that notion in mind, Kelli said, “The guys have been bugging me about going out. You wanna come with me?”

Nora just stared. “Have you been rebuffing them because of me?”

“Well, no.” Kelli smirked. “Trust me when I say, I like what you do so much better, but that’s so not the point.”

Nora’s lips quirked into an almost smile. “When?”

“Well, Travis bitched at me about ‘reconnecting with the guys,’” Kelli made air quotes, “a couple days ago. Williams and Sean are actually out having a drink right now. So I guess tonight. It’s early still.”

“You mean…
right
now? Are you sure you want me there?” Nora sounded and looked a little reluctant.

Kelli chose her words carefully. She wanted Nora to feel welcome, and she wanted her to understand that her life and the people in it were open to Nora if she wanted it. “Hell, if you were with me sifting through dumpsters for evidence, it would be a good time, and I hate that.”

Nora laughed, and her expression changed to something soft and full of wonder. “How do you do that?”

“What?” Kelli asked.

“Know what to say.”

Kelli shrugged. She didn’t. But this was Nora. Somehow her words just came out that way.

Nora picked up the beer and took a long pull. Then, she gave the bottle back and bent forward to brush her lips against Kelli’s. In turn, Kelli deepened the kiss, chasing the flavors of two of her favorite things…beer and Nora.

Nora pulled back slightly and said, “Let me change my outfit and feed Phineas. Then, let’s go.”

“I got him. You go ahead.”

“Okay, give me ten minutes.”

A few seconds later, Kelli stepped outside and into Phineas’s fenced-in habitat. It was large and clean, but Nora had a guy for that, so it wasn’t surprising. There were a few bales of hay in the corner, and his huge-ass bowl was next to it, similar to the one in the house. Phineas, himself, lay nearby on a huge, cushy mat just like the one in his room. Kelli held up the bag filled with vegetables and grass pellets, and shook it.

“What’s up big guy? Look what I got.”

Phineas didn’t waste any time. He got up and trotted toward Kelli. He was a fast fucker for his size. He nudged Kelli’s leg and brushed against her.

Kelli laughed. Phineas made a huffing sound and headed back toward his bed.

“You can’t tell me you’re not hungry.”

Kelli watched as he picked up one of the large stuffed toys that was near his bedding. He came back toward her. Phineas pressed the stuffed frog against Kelli’s leg. She’d learned a while back that he wasn’t into playing catch, but it was his way of sharing and being social. Kelli scratched him on the snout.

“Even trade? But why don’t you keep both?” She filled his bowl. He abandoned his toy for the food.

“He’s always more playful with you. I’m really glad you two get along.”

Kelli turned to find Nora behind her. “Probably because he knows I’m a big-ass kid.” Kelli smirked.

“I think you could be right about that,” Nora said.

Kelli glared.

Nora grinned. “I might have to keep the video feed and put it up on YouTube.”

“Uh-huh.” Kelli headed for the door, but as she walked past Nora, she smacked her on the ass. “Let’s go.”

Nora laughed.

* * *

Nora stood outside and glanced up at the Beck’s Bar and Grill sign. There was nothing ostentatious about the building itself. The brick construction blended in with the others next to it. Even the sign was plain. She didn’t know what she was expecting. Someone exited, letting out the sounds of laughter and low strains of music. This was sure to be an experience, and she wasn’t worried in the least.

“You okay?” Kelli asked, as she snaked her arms around Nora from behind.

Always protective. Nora turned to look at her. “I am. Are you?”

Kelli smirked. “Touché, but yeah.”

Kelli stepped away but kept a hand pressed to Nora’s back. When they entered, the smell of stale beer and fried food wafted toward her. It was a potent combination, but not unexpected. Rock music filtered in from the sound system, yet it wasn’t overwhelming. Nora scanned the area. A majority of the tables were full, and there was no space left at the bar. Everyone looked as if they were having a good time. Most of them seemed to be laughing and in various stages of conversation. The mood was instantly contagious. Nora wanted to be part of the revelry as well, especially with Kelli present.

A familiar figure stood and waved.

Nora waved back. “There’s your brother.”

“I see him.” Kelli guided her forward.

When they arrived at the table, both men stood.

Kelli chuckled. Nora glanced over her shoulder to see Kelli rolling her eyes.

“What?” Nora asked as she sat down.

“They suddenly have manners. Last time I checked, I’m a woman too.”

“I prefer to think of you as just McCabe.” Williams tipped his beer toward her.

Sean laughed and drank from a bottle of Blue Moon.

“The name’s Bruce Williams by the way.” He offered his hand to Nora. “Heard a lot about you, but we’ve only met in passing.”

Nora shook his hand and smiled. His skin was warm and calloused. For some reason, he reminded Nora of an older, distinguished looking walrus—big, but seemingly harmless. “Nice to meet you.”

“Would you look at this? More manners. Aren’t you supposed to be burping and leering at women half your age by now?” Kelli couldn’t help but to tease.

“Shut up, McCabe. I can be nice.” Williams glared, but his smile showed through.

“Yeah, only when you want something.” Kelli smirked, scooted closer to Nora, and threw an arm over her shoulders. “So, she’s mine. Remember that.”

Williams roared with laughter. “Doesn’t she have a say in this?”

Nora didn’t expect their antics to start so soon, but she was enjoying the banter, nonetheless. “Yes, doesn’t she?” Nora asked and looked at Kelli, who was grinning and her gaze was full of affection.

“Oh, look out. This one is quick.” Sean pointed at Nora.

“She has to be around you assholes,” Kelli said.

“Yep, she does.” Williams nodded.

A waitress appeared.

Nora asked for a bottle of Sweetwater. When everyone was done with their drink order, Kelli leaned closer and said, “You didn’t have to order beer.”

Discreetly, Nora looked around the table. She wanted to fit in. “It’s appropriate. And you’ll drink whatever is left over.”

Kelli shrugged and smirked. “Probably.”

“What kind of food do they serve here?” Nora asked.

“Burger, fries, wings…stuff like that.”

“I thought so. I’m starving.”

“You’re gonna eat this shit?” Kelli was surprised.

“If it’s good.”

Kelli shrugged and grabbed a menu from the middle of the table. “Decent, but the bacon-wrapped, red jalapeños are excellent.”

“Let’s start with that then.” Nora didn’t mind spicy.

“Share some fries? You’re not a ketchup person are you?” Kelli stared at her as though the answer would decide the fate of their relationship. Her mouth was in a grim line, but her eyes held a sparkle of amusement.

“Not at all.”

“Knew there was a reason I liked you,” Kelli said.

Nora smiled.

A throat cleared rather loudly.

Nora looked up to see Williams waving and grinning. “Forget about us?”

Truthfully? She had. Sometimes it was like they were in their own little world. Heat rushed to Nora’s face, but she powered through it. “Get your own jalapeños.” Nora gave him a mock glare.

Williams blinked.

“Well damn,” Sean said.

Kelli laughed.

Their drinks arrived, and they put in food orders.

From the corner of her eye, Nora watched as Kelli drank from a bottle of Sweetwater IPA. This was a fairly recent obsession for Nora, and she had yet to figure out what exactly appealed to her about the act. Kelli smirked in what Nora assumed was quiet acknowledgement as she set the beer down and glanced at her.

“We should just get our own table,” Sean said to Williams.

“I know, right?” Despite agreeing, Williams made no move to leave.

Kelli rolled her eyes for the hundredth time. “What are you trying to say? I can’t help it if I got a life.” She grinned.

“You implying that I don’t?” Williams’s eyebrows shot upward.

“Yup that’s exactly what I’m doing.” Kelli turned to Nora. “Hell of a grip he has there, isn’t it?”

That
was certainly a fascinating question.

Williams’s mouth dropped open.

“Ohhhh shit.” Sean laughed.

“Did you…did you just insinuate that I masturb—”

“Draw your own conclusions,” Kelli said with a smile.

Williams glanced at Nora and leaned forward to whisper to Kelli. “There’s a lady present. It’s not okay to talk about a man’s—”

“Are you kidding me?” Kelli asked through her laughter.

“Ah hell, she’s used to Kelli’s mouth by now.” Sean waved his hand, fanning the topic away.

Yes, she had to agree. Kelli’s mouth was capable of such interesting things. Nora glanced at Sean, only to realize Kelli and Williams were staring at him, too.

Sean took a swig of his new beer. “Wha—” He turned bright red. “Dammit, you know what I meant!”

Williams and Kelli laughed uproariously.

Sean hid his face in his hands.

Nora smiled and decided to add to the madness. “As a doctor, I can recommend a regular masturbatory schedule. Research shows it prevents cancer and strengthens the penile muscle.”

Kelli laughed even harder. She banged her fist against the table. Sean looked away, but not before Nora saw his smile.

Williams groaned.

“The more you know,” Kelli said between chuckles.

* * *

“Fuck!” Kelli cried out. She almost choked when water filled her mouth. That little incident didn’t stop the way her body was quivering. She felt that particular orgasm all the way to her toes and back. The warm pulsing jets of water all around her made it worse…or better. Kelli couldn’t decide. But it was Nora…doing that thing with her tongue that was really dragging things out. Blessed be. Instead of holding Nora’s head between her legs as she had been a minute ago, Kelli tried to pull her away. She didn’t think she could take anymore.

“Fuck…stop. Don’t touch it.” Kelli looked down, but she couldn’t see a damn thing. It was like they were in the clouds or something. Next thing she knew, Nora rose out of the steam like some sort of pagan goddess, brushing every inch of her naked, damp skin against Kelli. Blessed fucking be. Kelli moaned. Nora’s lips grazed her neck, before Nora nipped at her chin.

Kelli could see her now, blond hair slicked back and positively dripping. To make matters even more interesting, Nora was smiling.

A residual tingle shot through Kelli, but she still smirked. “You…ah, like watching me drink…
that
much?” She asked breathlessly.

“Mmm.” It was the only sound Nora made before kissing her.

Kelli wrapped her arms around her and held on.

* * *

Kelli stood at the printer, waiting for her two pages—a witness statement to add to a current file. She looked at the stack of paper already in the tray and the shit ton still printing. Kelli picked up a few pages and glanced at the number at the bottom to see how much was left. She groaned.

“Dammit, Johns! You couldn’t print this shit out in the morning?” Kelli stared him down from across the room.

Johns picked up the can of Coke off his desk and took a long swig. He burped and said, “Nope.”

Kelli shot him the finger.

Johns grinned.

“I would like to go home early at least one night this week.” Kelli scanned the room. There were still quite a few people around, and she really didn’t want to be one of them. She was surprised to see Sean walk through the door. He glanced at her and then made a beeline for her desk where he practically threw himself into a chair.