Chapter 9 Torque
Noelle must hear the urgency in my voice because she runs into the living room, holding a suitcase, while Amy follows, pulling two more.
Another loud crack rips through the air, and I grab a thick blanket, wrap it around Ainsley, and scoop her up. “The ice is too heavy. It’s snapping branches all over out there.”
“Oh, no,” Amy blurts. “Can we still leave?”
“That’s the plan. I’m going to get the little one to the truck. You two follow. Be careful.”
“We will,” Noelle promises.
I manage to make it to the truck without falling and place Ainsley inside. She watches as I shut the door in case of falling ice, then go to help her mom and aunt. The two women are sliding around as they try to pull the luggage, only succeeding in bumping into one another.
I reach Noelle and pick her up. “Stay put. I’ll come back for you,” I promise Amy.
She nods.
“We need the luggage!” Noelle shouts.
“I know, baby. Let me get the two of you safely inside first.”
Once I secure the women, I go back for the luggage. It takes a lot longer than I anticipate to get everything loaded, and I’m almost winded as I slip behind the wheel. I hear a third crack and back down the driveway, not risking the chance that the truck could be damaged.
As I’m backing up, I see an enormous tree limb crash to the ground. If we stayed in that house any longer, we would have been stuck. My truck might have been totaled.
I blow out a breath and turn to Noelle as we creep along the slick roads. “You all okay? Warm enough?”
“Yes, thanks.”
Noelle pours hot cocoa from a thermos and hands a small cup to Ainsley and another to her sister. They drink in silence, but I can tell by their expressions that it’s helping warm them up. The house had been cold, and I wasn’t sure how long they had gone without power.
“It’s crazy how fast the heat seemed to disappear. It’s only been a few hours since the power went out.”
“Do you catch which neighborhoods are affected?” Noelle asks.
“More than half the city. Your neighborhood, too.”
Mr. Warner. His name pops into my head. The grumpy old fucker is probably warmed by his pleasant personality. Still, I feel the urge to check in on him.
“We’re going to take a detour,” I announce.
It takes another half hour to reach Noelle’s street. There’s a telephone pole down and more fallen branches. The ice is thick. Travel is hazardous, and I know I need to get the women to the clubhouse soon.
When I park in Mr. Warner’s driveway, Noelle smiles.
“It’s thoughtful, Torque.”
“Probably more than he deserves, but I can’t shake the thought he’s too old and unequipped for this storm.”
There aren’t any trees near the driveway on his property, so I don’t worry about leaving the truck.
It’s safe. I close the door as I hop out and slowly walk to his front door.
When I lift my hand to knock, I notice the front door isn’t pulled shut.
I gently push on it and find Mr. Warner on the floor.
“Shit!” I rush to his side, checking him over for injuries. “Mr. Warner?”
He blinks as I say his name, staring up at me in confusion. “What are you doing here?”
“The ice storm knocked the power out in half the city. Are you okay? Do you need help?”
He starts to sit up, and I help him. “Not sure what happened. I started packing my car, and I don’t know how I ended up on the floor.”
“It’s cold in here.” Too cold. I see the door open to his garage. All the heat escaped. “I think you should come with me.”
He blinks. “Where?”
“I’ve to Noelle, her sister, and niece. I’m taking them back with me. We’ve got power at my clubhouse.”
“A biker bar?” He sounds skeptical.
“Yeah. There’s food, blankets, and a warm place to rest until the power is back on. You should come.” I don’t like the idea of leaving him. He needs medical care.
Mr. Warner looks around his house. “Okay.”
I’m surprised, but I help him up, and he wobbles. I hold him steady. “Where’s your jacket and winter clothing?”
“The hall closet.”
I leave him to gather the items together and help him with his coat, gloves, and hat. “Do you have any boots?”
“No.” He points to his living room. “Just the house shoes and sneakers.”
“That’ll work.”
I guide him to his sofa, and he manages to slip them on his feet without help.
Mr. Warner turns to me. “Why did you come inside?”
“The door wasn’t closed all the way. Something didn’t feel right. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“And you stopped here. Why?”
“I knew this neighborhood didn’t have power. Thought I should check to be sure you were okay.”
He blinks before shaking his head. “I was wrong about you.”
“Hey, I’m used to it. No worries.”
“No. I need to apologize. It wasn’t right.”
“Well, we agree on that, Mr. Warner.”
“Call me Phillip.”
“As long as you call me Torque.”
“Done.”
By the time I get everyone back to the Grid Iron, I’m tired, thirsty, and my boots are soaked.
I lead everyone inside and to the bar, where people have gathered in our absence.
Soup and warm beverages are being passed around.
I saw additional neighbors and friends of the club all gathered to help during a crisis.
It takes a few minutes to get everyone sorted. I find Bear’s sister since she’s a nurse and ask her to check on Phillip. He’s cold and dehydrated which makes him a little disoriented. It was a good thing I checked on him when I did.
Storm joins me as I hold a mug of coffee. “Shark isn’t a problem any longer.”
Good to know.
“That’s a relief.” I take a sip of coffee. “It’s been a long day.”
“Sure has,” he agrees. “I’m about to head to bed.”
“Same.”
Noelle joins us, smiling at Storm. “Thanks for taking us all in.”
“You’re family now, Noelle. We take care of our own.”
“I see that.” She leans into me, and I slip an arm around her shoulders.
“Your sister get settled into a room with Ainsley?”
“Yes. They took some food with them, and I think they’re going to crash soon.”
That’s my plan. “I could use some sleep.”
“Me too.” Noelle yawns. “Why does it always feel like the cold zaps everything out of you?”
“Don’t know, but it’s true. Let’s go, beautiful.”
We say goodnight to Storm and take the stairs, nearly stumbling into the room. We drop onto the bed and kick off our shoes. I pull her into my chest and close my eyes.
I’m out so fast I don’t remember saying a word.
THE FOLLOWING EVENING, I pull Noelle underneath a sprig of mistletoe. “Look up, baby.”
She laughs, and it’s a warm, sweet sound. “You bought some.”
I sure did. Along with our trucks, the city cleared the roads in record time. Not everything was restored, but it would be soon. I left briefly to pick up a few things from the store, including all the ingredients for Noelle’s famous hot cocoa, some holiday decorations, and the mistletoe.
The clubhouse was looking festive, but I only had eyes for Noelle.
“Are you going to kiss me, handsome?”
I didn’t reply, just lowered my head and hungrily devoured her lips, never able to get enough of this woman, her mouth, or her delicious taste.
She was the one. I planned to ask her to marry me soon, but I wanted to surprise her first.
This might just be the silliest thing I’ve ever done for a woman, but for Noelle, I’d do anything.
Even if it means donning a red suit and shouting ho-ho-ho.
I’ll probably have to face screaming kids calling for Santa, but it’s worth it to see a smile on my ol’ lady’s face. I’ve got a Santa suit stashed nearby, and I plan to show her just how jolly an elf I can be. I’ll sprinkle tinsel, hand out candy canes, and join in the festive season.
And later, when we’re alone, I’ll devour my holiday treat.
Right between her thighs, where I can’t imagine I’ll taste anything better this holiday season.