touch

Like a shot of caffeine had been injected straight into my veins, I shot out of bed. “What?”


“He’s waiting for you,” Aunt Danielle repeated from the doorway, a grin on her face. “I heard you tossing and turning late so I told your mom to let you sleep.”

Panicking I looked at the clock. I had to be to work in five minutes. Tugging on clothes at random, I rushed to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, tossed my hair up into a messy bun and flew into the kitchen sixty second later.

Morik sat at the table watching for me. I smiled briefly, as I ran passed him to get my coat.

“I’m really sorry to rush you, but I have to be to work in four minutes.”

He gracefully rose, donning his own jacket and calmly tucked my scarf around me as he had the day before. “Are you sure you want to be there in four minutes?” He grinned in response to my nod. “Come on then.”

I called a farewell to the house and strode determinedly out the door toward his waiting motorcycle. “Not that I’m ungrateful,” I said over my shoulder, “but wouldn’t a car be better in winter.”

“For humans, maybe.”

“I am human!” I spun toward him exasperatedly. He wore a teasing grin. Seeing his pointy teeth didn’t bother me as much today. I rolled my eyes in return.

Standing close, he reached around me and painlessly pulled the hair-tie from my hair. He held the tie out to me. Curious what he was up to, I took it.

“Won’t work with the helmet.” He grabbed the helmet from the seat and placed it carefully on my head.

While he did that, I noticed the snow piled on the ground… everywhere except the sidewalk and driveway.

“What’s that face for?” he asked just before tapping the visor into place.

“I’m feeling guilty for oversleeping. I should have been up to help shovel.”

He straddled the bike, starting it immediately, and held out his hand. “I didn’t mind.”

“You did this?” I clasped his arm and got on behind him. He nodded as he pulled my arms around his waist. I couldn’t say more because he revved the motorcycle swiftly pulling away.

Although the plow had been through, a thin layer of snow still coated the road. Fearing what an icy patch could do to us, I tightened my grip around his waist and closed my eyes. The stomach-churning ride lasted a few short minutes before he parked in front of the Coffee Shop. He’d maneuvered the roads expertly, but my legs still felt weak when I climbed off the back. He didn’t wait for me to try extracting myself from the helmet, but helped right away giving me a chance to calm down.

He’d parked right in front of the picture window, and I caught Mona doing a double take once the helmet came off. I waved and hurriedly pulled my hair back, securing it once again with the hair tie.

“Thanks for the ride.”

“Not a problem. I’ll be back later.” He started the bike again, but I didn’t wait to see him leave. I hurried inside. The fresh brewed aroma of roasted coffee welcomed me as did the few patrons already seated sipping their morning delight.

“Sorry, I’m late Mona. I overslept.” I moved behind the counter and checked the coffee pots, starting another regular.

“You’re right on time.” She laughed at me as I opened the side door to rid myself of outdoor accessories.

I glanced at the clock in disbelief. He’d really done it. I didn’t have a chance to think about it more as a wave of customers poured in.

Between rushes, Mona quizzed me on the “hottie with a crazy streak.” I wasn’t the only one who thought a motorcycle in winter weird. She said it made him dangerous and more compelling. I wondered if Morik had an age limit for companions. Mona sure seemed interested. Besides, it wasn’t as if she was older than he was. While I waited on customers, I tried to think of a tactful way to ask him.

Morik walked in a little before noon. Covered with cap and dark sunglasses, he approached the counter without sending the patrons screaming. I couldn’t hold back my smile thinking of the chaos that would cause.

Mona, recognizing him from earlier, stepped aside so I could wait on him. She took the coffee pots around the room for those with the bottomless cup.

“What can I get for you?” I asked. When he said he would see me later, I hadn’t thought it would be a public appearance.

He returned my smile. “The coffee any good?”

“Like the coffee; love the sandwiches.”

His lips twitched and he ordered the bottomless cup with one of Mona’s specialty sandwiches. He didn’t linger at the counter after he ordered. Instead, he found a table and sat sipping his coffee while Mona came back to make his sandwich.

I delivered his food, but couldn’t stay. We were in the middle of our lunch rush. Within thirty minutes, most of the tables would empty. Until they did, Mona and I took turns at the counter and running refills.