Page 10 of Saving Little Clark

The low, suggestive timbre of his voice made heat pool in my belly, my mind conjuring all sorts of scandalous scenarios.

Chapter 5: Clark

As we made our way back to the main path, our arms still linked, I found myself growing more and more at ease in his presence.

"So, Clark," Brody said, breaking the silence that had settled between us. "Tell me, what's the most adventurous thing you've ever done? And no, getting lost in the woods for ten minutes doesn't count."

I laughed, bumping my shoulder against his playfully. "Damn, there goes my go-to story. Let's see... Oh, I know! One time, in college, Alex convinced me to go skydiving with him. I was absolutely terrified, but he kept insisting it would be a 'bonding experience' or whatever."

Brody's eyebrows shot up, clearly impressed. "Wow, that's hardcore. And here I thought you were just a mild-mannered Clark Kent type."

"I'll have you know I'm full of surprises," I said, giving him a coy smile. "I may not be Superman, but I've got a few hidden talents up my sleeve."

"Is that so?" Brody murmured, his gaze drifting deliberately down to my lips before flicking back up to meet my eyes. "I'd love to discover some of thosetalents."

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his suggestive tone, my skin prickling with goosebumps. "Play your cards right, and maybe you will," I replied, surprising myself with my own boldness.

Brody grinned, his hand tightening briefly on my arm. "I'll keep that in mind. But anyway, back to this skydiving story. How was it? Did you piss your pants or anything?"

"Hey, my bladder control is just fine, thank you very much!" I said indignantly, swatting at his delectable chest. "But no, I managed to keep my dignity intact. Mostly. I may have screamed like a little girl when we first jumped out of the plane, but in my defense, we were plummeting towards the earth at terminal velocity."

"Fair enough," Brody chuckled. "I probably would have passed out on the spot. Heights and I don't exactly get along."

"Aww, is the big, strong pirate afraid of a little altitude?" I teased, fluttering my lashes at him.

"I prefer to keep my feet on solid ground, or the deck of a sturdy ship," he said, puffing out his chest in an exaggerated display of machismo. "Leave the death-defying stunts to you daredevils."

Of course, Alex picked up on the charged energy between us right away. He kept shooting me these knowing looks, waggling his eyebrows and making kissy faces when Brody wasn't looking. I tried to convey my annoyance through subtle glares and head shakes, but he cheerfully ignored my silent pleas to cut it out.

"You two seem to be getting along well," he remarked casually, falling into step beside us. "I'm sensing a real connection here. A meeting of the minds, if you will."

"Alex," I said through gritted teeth, my eyes promising bloody murder. "Don't you have a treasure to find or something?"

"All in good time, my dear Clarkie," he replied breezily. "I'm just making an observation. You know, as your best friend and wingman extraordinaire, it's my duty to support and facilitate any potential romantic developments in your life."

Brody, the traitor, just laughed. "Is that so? Well, I appreciate your diligence, Alex. It's good to know Clark has someone looking out for his best interests."

I was saved from having to respond to that by a voice calling out Brody's name. We turned to see a tall, handsome man with artfully tousled dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard striding towards us, his expression equal parts exasperated and amused.

"There you are, man," the newcomer said, clapping Brody on the shoulder. "I've been looking all over for you. What happened to meeting at the coffee cart?"

"Sorry, Will," Brody said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I got a little sidetracked."

Will's gaze slid over to me and Alex, his eyebrows lifting slightly. "I can see that. Who are your new friends?"

"Oh, right! Will, this is Clark and Alex. We met at the treasure hunt thing. Guys, this is my buddy Will. We work together."

"Charmed, I'm sure," Will said dryly, giving us a brief nod. His eyes lingered on Alex, raking over his colorful parrot costume with thinly veiled disdain. "Nice outfit. Very festive."

Alex, never one to back down from a challenge, tilted his chin up defiantly. "Thanks, I made it myself. The ladies love a man who's confident enough to rock some feathers."

"Do they now?" Will drawled, crossing his arms over his chest. "And here I thought they preferred a man with some actual taste and style."

"Oh, I've got plenty of both," Alex fired back, planting his hands on his hips. "But I wouldn't expect a stuffed shirt like you to recognize true fabulousness when he sees it."

I watched in fascinated horror as the two men glared at each other, the air practically crackling with tension. But beneath the hostility, I detected a subtle undercurrent of... could it be? Attraction?

Brody leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispered, "Is it just me, or do those two totally want to bang?"

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