I don't hate your line, and I might even play it the same way. Preflop I like the call, because a reraise chases out any weaker hands for a thinking player. QQ, JJ will play only for set value and AA will probably smooth call and trap you.

The flop is the tricky part IMO. I think leading the flop for about $12-15 is okay, but again if I was the villian sitting on AA here, a smooth call wouldn't be out of the question, figuring that he's either way ahead or way behind here.
I would probably put in a healthy check-raise to about $40. If he raises or calls, I am done with the hand. It is an expensive way to find out if you're beat, but any other line w/KK is weak-tight IMO. KK is the 2nd best starting hand, and you shouldn't be afraid to play it aggressively, but be willing to fold it if you sense you're beat. Since you don't have position it makes the hand difficult to play. With position I probably just call the flop bet and reevaluate the turn.