ONCE I PARK MY TRUCKby the curb in front of Noelle’s house, I slip on my gloves, zip up my jacket, and pull a stocking hat over my head. I don’t own a scarf, but I’ve got a bandana. I tie it around my neck and tuck it into the collar of my leather jacket. I’ve worn three layers, and it’s the best I can do. As soon as I step outside, the wind hits, and I curse.
“Fuck,” I mumble, reaching into the back of my truck, under the tarp to pick up my shovel. When I step away, I see a guy standing in the yard next door. It’s getting dark, so it’s hard to see his features. I know he’s not another biker. He’s not wearing a cut, and he doesn’t move in my direction.
“Who the hell are you?” he shouts, stomping toward the fence. “This is private property. Both yards.”
He sounds older and gruff, like he’s pissed I’m breathing and shoveling snow for someone else. I ignore him because I’ve got shit to do. Whoever he is, he can fuck off right now. I’m not here for the neighbor.
I’m working up a sweat as I clear the driveway when I see the guy head my way. He’s got a bulging gut, snow boots, and his hat is askew. He looks irritated. I can see his red face as he approaches.
“Christ,” I mutter as I dump snow from the shovel into the grass.
“Hey!”
I keep working, starting on the path that leads up to Noelle’s front door. “Yeah?” I answer and try to keep calm because I don’t want to beat some guy’s ass tonight.
“Why are you in Noelle’s yard?”
He’s awfully fucking demanding for a dude that’s huffing and puffing in the cold because he’s overweight and should be inside where it’s warm.
“Helping out a friend,” I say and keep shoveling, clearing the way toward her door, where I intend to knock and visit once I’m done. She needs to know it’s taken care of, and maybe I’ll get rewarded with another cup of hot cocoa. I won’t turn it down.
“We have regulations for this sort of thing. She can’t hire anyone outside of our approved contact list.”
I toss the shovel and turn to the guy, who takes a step back. “Listen up. I’m here for free. She’s a single woman in need of help. You can kindly go fuck off and let me finish.”
He sputters, unable to form a reply before stomping off toward his house again.
Thank fuck for that.
I pick up the shovel and work on the last few feet of snow blocking the path. I’ll add salt before I knock on Noelle’s door and let her know her neighbor is a jackass.
He gains courage from his front porch. “The board will hear about this!” It’s barely spoken before he rushes inside.
I shake my head and take my shovel back to my truck. It only takes a few minutes to lay down salt and toss the empty container in her trash bin. I’m stepping up to her porch when her door cracks open.
Noelle’s eyes widen. “Torque.” She glances at the yard and driveway. “Oh, wow. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
She steps back and pushes the door wide. “Get in here. It’s freezing.”
“I appreciate it.” I close the door behind me and stomp the snow from my boots on her welcome mat. I don’t want to track wet shoes through her hardwood floors. The place is clean and looks like a photo straight out of a decorating magazine. It’s almost too pretty to live in.
“Don’t worry about your boots. I can mop up any mess you make.”
That’s kind. “No. I can take them off. My toes are wet anyhow.” My feet need to dry before I put my boots back on.
“Alright. Let me make you a cup of hot cocoa, and then I’ll set your boots over the vent. The hot air will dry them up quickly.”
She’s right. I walk into the living room and take a seat by her fireplace. I’m fucking cold and step close, lifting my hands tothe heat generated by the flames. It’s real, not a fake one, so the warmth permeates the room and adds a touch of ambience with the flickering firelight.
She’s not yet turned her lights on. There are only the twinkling white bulbs strung up around the perimeter of her house, her tree with colorful lights, and the fireplace. It’s cozy and reminds me of my childhood before my mother got breast cancer and left me, my brothers, and my father alone. Christmases were never the same after her passing.
“You’re deep in thought,” Noelle observes as she joins me, handing me a big mug of cocoa. The ceramic heat warms my chilled fingers, and I lift the edge to my lips, taking a hearty drink. It almost burns going down, but the heat is welcome. “This is just what I need.”
She sits on her sofa, curling her feet beneath her before she sips from her mug. “I can’t thank you enough for clearing the snow and putting down salt. You’re handy to have around, Torque.”
“You have no idea, babe.” I grin when I see her cheeks grow pink. “I can’t stay long. I’ve got an errand for Storm.”
