Comfortably Numb

Chapter Ten

I arrive at Arrow's house faster than I expect.

Thinking back, I acknowledge that I had been blatantly ignoring the speed limit signs, flying past so fast I barely had time to read them.

As I slide in behind the Beast, I realize it is only 8:05, about thirty minutes earlier than I had realized. I'd been so excited to drive my car again, I'd dressed in a hurry and skipped breakfast. I debate with myself about whether I should wait or go into the house, but eventually decide to risk waking the house up in favour of showing off my car sooner.

I hop out of the shiny black vehicle and step quietly up to the front door. I rap my knuckles on the door three times in quick succession. Behind the door, someone is moving around. Mr. Cardinal tugs the door open a moment later, and his face splits into a massive smile when his eyes rest on me. His hair is sticking straight up and his eyes still hold traces of sleep.

"Andy! We weren't expecting you this morning!" I smile at him. He steps to the side and waves me into the house.

"Come on in! Arrow's just in the bathroom; she takes forever to get ready. Have you eaten? We were just about to have  breakfast. Come, sit! Pancakes?" I follow him into the kitchen where he hands me a plate stacked high with pancakes. I shoot him a grateful smile and reach for the syrup. I smile brightly at the other Mr. Cardinal, who is sitting at the counter with a mug in his hands. I smother the fluffy cakes in sticky surgery goodness, and take a huge bite.

"Pop! Have you seen my green shirt? I washed it yesterday but it's not in my room anymore!" Ryker bursts into the kitchen wearing nothing but black boxers.

Without my permission, my eyes drift down his sculpted chest. I can't tear my eyes off of him, no matter how hard I try. It is as if suddenly all of the oxygen has been sucked from the room; He is the only source of air.

His hair hangs in loose waves, seeming to tease me to look further down. I trace the column of his neck down to his tan pectorals. I follow the lines of his chest to his abs, and gulp as I trace each individual ab. My heart stutters in my chest as I notice his hips have those V lines that disappear into his satin shorts.  I glance back up his chest, trying to memorize every line, every freckle, every inch of glowing golden skin. My hands are itching at my sides, begging for me to run them up and down his muscled torso. I suck my bottom lip between my teeth, the urge to drool becoming uncomfortable.

The longer I stare, a deep rumbling builds from across the room. Suddenly, Ryker takes a step towards me.  My eyes finally snap away from his glorious chest, only to fall into the trap of his eyes. They sparkle intensely; it looks like they have been lit by a fire from behind. I hear somebody clear their throat, but I can't force myself from the pool of liquid chocolate long enough to determine who it is. Something rumbles out of his chest, and the full force of the growl slams into me, settling in the pit of my stomach.

"Ryker, go put on some clothes." The deep growl of his father startles me enough to break the tension between us. I blink and look away from his half naked form, focusing on my pancakes instead. Although for some reason the food looks almost unappetizing now....

Ryker slips from the room without any words. I only know he is gone because the heat of his gaze isn't resting on me anymore. I glance up and feel my face flush as I realize both Mr Cardinals are smiling weirdly at me. I stuff another bite of pancakes into my mouth so I don't have to speak.

"Sorry about him, dear. He wasn't expecting you or I'm sure he would already be completely dressed and sitting here shoveling food into his mouth beside you. He didn't make you too uncomfortable, did he?" Mr Cardinal lilts.

I shake my head and focus more intently on my pancakes.

The sound of feet hitting the tile of the kitchen has me glancing over my shoulder. Ryker is back, but this time -thankfully- fully clothed. I push aside the odd spike of disappointment I feel over that fact. It is important he has clothes. Nudity isn't exactly something approved for school.