Kim Pritekel - Crossing Lines

Nina sighed, running her wet hands over her hair, pushing it back away from her face, water dripping onto her nose. She wrinkled it, trying to get rid of the itch, but it just got worse. Growling, she brought her hand up, rubbing at the itch. She glanced to the side of the tub, watching Kona and Kiora as they played together, the smaller male whimpering slightly as his much larger sister stepped on him.

"Careful, Kikis," the brunette warned. The female Ewok glanced up at her, then went right back to beating up her brother. Nina rested her head back against the edge of the tub, closing her eyes. She decided to stop thinking and just allow herself to enjoy the bath.

***

Nina found herself headed downtown two days later, back at the same gallery. Now that the place was next to empty, she was able to really look around, hands casually clasped behind her back as she perused. She found herself drawn back to the sketches she'd been looking at the night of the show. The work was so exquisite, it totally captured Nina's imagination. The artist obviously loved the female form.

"Like what you see, Counselor?"

Nina started at the voice that was suddenly in her ear. She moved away, turning. Mouth hanging open, she stared at the grinning blonde standing before her. Hair still short and just as carefree, Kansas looked as adorable as ever.

"Hi," she breathed, not sure what else to say.

"Hi. Must say, I don't recall having a reaction to my work quite like yours before." The artist nodded at the sketches behind Nina.

"Those are yours?"

"Yep."

"Kansas?"

Both women turned, a redhead sauntering up to them. She placed a hand on the blonde's back, a small smile curling her lips when Kansas leaned over to place a kiss on her cheek. "I'm coming." Kansas turned back to Nina, an almost cocky twinkle in her green eyes to match the smirk on her lips. "See you around."

"Yeah. Uh, it was nice seeing you again." Nina muttered.

"You, too."

The brunette watched as the two walked away, unable to take her eyes off Kansas. It had been what, seven years? Eight? Who was this ultra confident woman she saw? Where was the cute, unsure teenager from so long ago? And who the hell was the redhead? As she watched, Kansas smacked her on the ass, making the other woman giggle and push the blonde playfully away.

Nina stepped away from the sketches, deciding that she wanted to check out what else lined the walls and space of the gallery. She was approached by a thin man with a dark goatee. His fashionable thick-framed glasses were perched on a perfect nose, which was placed above perfect white teeth.

"Are you seeing anything you like?" he asked, voice somewhat high-pitched and definitely feminine.

"Yes. Everything here is so beautiful," Nina commented, looking at the painting she stood in front of. A field of what looked to be corn, thought he stalks were purple, soil beneath white, like snow. The sky was bright blue, though lazy pink clouds floated by. Her gaze fell to the placard: Another Side of Kansas . Nina nearly laughed out loud, sure this was a private joke from Kansas Roberts.

"Yes, it is. And a good deal of it by our very own Kansas Roberts," the man gestured toward where the blonde and redhead stood talking by the front door of the gallery, an older couple chatting with the artist.

"She's very talented. I was just looking at her sketches on the back wall." She glanced at the man, his button-up shirt opened enough to reveal a dusting of chest hair, though on him it didn't look quite as pimp as it would on a straight guy. His hair was dark, longish and wavy, with long, neatly trimmed sideburns. His darker complexion spoke of a Spanish or Italian heritage. "Why are there no placards or prices on those?"

"They're not for sale. Those sketches are from Kansas' private collection. They're actually only up for a short time, to celebrate the opening of our gallery," he explained.

" Our gallery?"

"Yes," the man smiled, big and proud. "Kansas and I own this fabulous place." He indicated the building they stood in with a flair that made Nina smile.

"That's wonderful." She paused, chewing on her lower lip for a moment. "So, how did she end up here? In Colorado."

"Well, if you like, I can introduce you to Kansas-"

"Oh, no," Nina waved him off with a nervous laugh. "We've. . . met."

"Oh," he said knowingly, giving her a sympathetic smile as he patted her shoulder. "You and half the state, honey." He glanced over at his business partner, watching as she blatantly flirted with two women who had just walked in, both women nearly swooning. "Sometimes I'm not sure who's more of a slut- me or Kansas." The man chuckled, turning back to Nina. "I'm Michael Ross. What is your name, beautiful lady?"

Nina smiled, despite herself. "Nina Glassman."

"It's a pleasure, Nina. Listen, I need to get, but you come in any time." He gave her a brilliant smile, showing just how handsome he really was.

"Take care, Michael."

With a peck to either cheek, he was gone. Nina turned back to the artwork with a sigh. She made herself not look when she heard a loud bray of laughter, coming from the direction where she knew Kansas still stood, entertaining her small audience of three.

***

The clubs in downtown Denver were far and few between, but what there was could be fun. Nina and Abby weaved their way through the crowds that had already begun to gather. It was a Saturday night, and the thumpa-thumpa vibrated through Nina's bones. She wasn't one for clubbing or drinking, but decided to go anyway. She hadn't been out dancing in more than a year, and was actually looking forward to it.

"Want a drink?" Abby asked over the loud music. Nina nodded, her fingers already beginning to tap against her denim-clad leg as she found the beat of the music. "Amaretto Sour, right?" Again, Nina nodded. She watched until her date disappeared into the throng, then headed out to find somewhere where they could sit and relax. The place was dark, but no longer smoky- thanks to Colorado's no-smoking laws in restaurants and bars, a law the professor loved.

Toward the back of the dark club, the wall was lined with round tables and chairs. Most were filled, but there were still a couple that were left empty. Nina quickly snagged one, back to the wall so she could watch everyone around her. She saw couples come and go, women laughing and dancing. A male couple making out in the corner. She watched the bodies moving, the air filled with sexual tension and heat. The brunette couldn't help but feel it creep into her own body.

"Here you go." Abby set a tumbler in front of Nina, the dark amber liquid mixing with the ice and thin straw. Nina smiled her thanks, taking the drink in one hand and sipping. It was strong, the alcohol burning in her throat.

"Thanks." Nina absently played with her straw in the glass, her eyes beginning to adjust to the dark room, the music pounding and multi-colored lights making patterns on the floor and walls, and over the throbbing bodies.

"Do you want to dance?" Abby called out over the music.

"Sure."

The two women linked hands as they headed toward the dance floor, weaving through their companions until they found a spot to themselves. The song playing had a techno beat to it, the pulsing bodies around them sweating with the exertion. Soon, Nina and Abby were right along with them.

Nina threw her head back, eyes closed, allowing herself to get lost in the music, her body moving of its own accord. She opened her eyes when she felt hands on her hips. Abby had moved in, bringing their bodies close as the music thumped. Nina looked into the woman's eyes, wondering what she'd find there. She saw desire shining in those eyes, and it was aimed at her. A trill of fear wandered down her spine, but the professor swallowed it down, allowing herself to wallow in it for the moment. It felt good to be wanted and desired.