Page 12 of Saving Little Clark

As the excitement died down and people began to disperse, I turned to him with a sudden surge of nerves, my throat tightening. "So, um... I had a really great time today," I said, fiddling with the edge of my medal. "With you, I mean. Not just the treasure hunt, but everything."

Brody's eyes softened, his smile turning gentle. "Me too," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear. "In fact, I was hoping we could do it again sometime. Without the costumes and the crowds, maybe. Just you and me."

My heart stuttered in my chest, hope blooming bright and fierce. "Yeah?" I breathed, hardly daring to believe it. "I'd like that. A lot."

"Then it's a date," he said, his grin widening. He pulled out his phone, handing it to me with a wink. "Put your number in there. I'll call you later to set something up."

With shaking fingers, I typed my contact info into his phone, a giddy little thrill zipping through me at the thought of seeing him again, of exploring this crackling chemistry between us in a more intimate setting.

Of course, Alex chose that exact moment to butt in, draping himself over my shoulders with a sly grin. "Ooh, are we exchanging digits?" he cooed, batting his lashes at Brody. "You know, as Clark's best friend and wingman, it's my duty to vet any potential suitors. Make sure they're worthy of my precious boy's time and affection."

I groaned, shrugging him off with a scowl. "Alex, I swear to god-"

But Brody just laughed, taking it in stride. "I assure you, my intentions are nothing but honorable," he said, holding up a hand as if taking an oath. "I solemnly swear to treat Clark like the treasure he is, should he deem me worthy of his company."

"Damn straight," Alex said, giving him an approving nod. "You break his heart, I break your kneecaps. Capiche?"

"Alex!" I yelped, mortified. But Brody just nodded solemnly, his eyes dancing with mirth.

"Understood," he said, mock-saluting. "I'll guard his heart with my life, on my honor as a gentleman and a pirate."

Just then, Will sidled up to Alex, his expression uncharacteristically hesitant. "So, speaking of exchangingnumbers," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was thinking maybe I could get yours? You know, in case I ever need fashion advice from a tacky parrot."

Alex blinked, looking momentarily taken aback. Then, to my utter shock, a slow, pleased flush crept over his cheeks, turning them a soft pink.

"Oh," he said, sounding oddly flustered. "Sure. I mean, who else is going to save you from your tragic lack of style, right?"

As he fumbled for his phone, I leaned in close to Will, dropping my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Just so you know, Alex is totally single," I said, feeling a wicked thrill of glee at the chance to give my meddlesome friend a taste of his own medicine. "And he definitely thinks you're cute, even if he won't admit it. He's got a thing for tall, dark, and snarky."

Will's eyebrows shot up, a surprised grin tugging at his mouth. "Oh really? How interesting."

Alex, who had overheard the exchange, shot me a look of pure betrayal. "Clark!" he hissed, his blush deepening to a flaming scarlet. "What the hell, man?"

I just smirked, feeling smug. "Payback's a bitch, isn't it?" I whispered, patting him on the shoulder. "Consider this karma for all the times you've embarrassed me in front of cute guys."

As Alex sputtered indignantly, Will tapped his number into his phone, his lips twitching with amusement. "There," he said, handing it back with a wink. "I expect regular updates on the latest tropical bird fashion trends."

"Looks like I'm not the only one who scored a potential date today," I teased, elbowing Alex in the ribs. "Better startbrushing up on your mating dances, buddy. You'll need to bring your A-game to keep up with that one."

Alex just flipped me off, still blushing furiously. But I could see the beginnings of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

As the post-hunt festivities kicked into gear, the four of us made our way over to the refreshment table, drawn by the tantalizing aroma of buttery popcorn and sweet cotton candy. My stomach growled loudly.

"Easy there, tiger," Alex teased, elbowing me in the ribs. "Don't want to scare off your new beau with your ravenous appetite."

Brody chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched me load up on junk food. "I like a man with a healthy appetite," he said, winking at me. "Means you've got stamina where it counts."

I nearly choked on a mouthful of popcorn, my face flaming. Alex cackled gleefully, slapping Brody on the back.

"Oh, I like you," he said, grinning. "Anyone who can make Clark blush like a schoolgirl is alright in my book."

We settled onto a nearby picnic blanket. By the time we were done, a familiar voice rang out over the loudspeaker.

"Attention, guys!" Uncle Nick called in a jovial tone. "I hope you’ve had your fill, because it's time for our final event of the evening. An outdoor screening of the timeless classic,The Princess Bride."

A cheer went up from the crowd, followed by a flurry of excited chatter. I felt a thrill of anticipation zip through me. It was one of my all-time favorite movies.

I turned to Brody, suddenly feeling bold. "Hey," I said, trying to sound casual even as my heart raced. "Do you want to stick around and watch the movie with us?”

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