Page 7 of Saving Little Clark

He grinned, stepping inside. "Can't a parrot be excited to embark on a high-seas escapade with his favorite pirate?"

"I suppose so," I conceded, closing the door behind him. "But I thought you operated onfashionably latetime."

"Ah, but you see," Alex said, tapping the side of his beak, "I couldn't risk my pirate captain setting sail without his trusty parrot. Plus, I wanted to make sure you didn't chicken out at the last minute."

I feigned offense, placing a hand over my heart. "Me? Chicken out? Never! I'll have you know I'm the bravest pirate on the seven seas."

He snorted. "More like the seven puddles in your backyard."

Soon, Alex was pulling us into the parking lot of the local park. We made our way towards the bustling crowd. The grassy expanse was dotted with costumed Littles, their laughter and chatter filling the air. They darted about, dressedas superheroes, princesses, and various adorable animals. The scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the enticing aroma of buttery popcorn wafting from a nearby stand, adding to the festive ambiance.

In the center of the park stood a small stage, where Uncle Nick stood proudly in his own pirate costume. With a broad grin, he announced the start of the treasure hunt and began handing out maps to the eager participants.

"This treasure is as good as ours, Captain Clark," Alex joked, nudging me with his elbow. "Unless you're too distracted looking for a Daddy to notice theXon the map."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Please, I'm perfectly capable of multitasking. Finding treasure and ignoring your matchmaking attempts will be a breeze."

But Alex wasn't paying attention. His gaze was fixed on someone over my shoulder, a slow grin spreading across his face.

"Well, well," he murmured. "Looks like the real treasure might not be in a chest after all. Get a load of Tall, Dark and Handsome over there."

I turned to follow his line of sight and felt my breath catch in my throat. Standing a few yards away was quite possibly the most gorgeous man I had ever laid eyes on. He was dressed casually in a fitted black t-shirt and jeans, his chestnut hair artfully tousled, a hint of stubble lining his chiseled jaw. But it was his eyes that really captivated me - a striking blue, like the ocean on a stormy day, fringed by long, dark lashes.

As if sensing my gaze, those mesmerizing eyes suddenly locked with mine, sending a shiver down my spine. It was like an electric current had passed between us, a wordless acknowledgement of... what, exactly? Attraction? Interest? All Iknew was that I suddenly felt very warm, my heart doing a funny little flip in my chest.

"Clark? Hello, earth to Clark!" Alex's amused voice snapped me out of my trance. I blinked, realizing I had been staring openly at the handsome stranger like a lovestruck teenager.

"What?" I stammered, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Alex smirked knowingly. "I was just saying, looks like Prince Charming over there might need a tour guide. Maybe we should invite him to join our merry band of treasure hunters, hmm?"

"What? No!" I hissed, elbowing him sharply. "Are you crazy? We don't even know him."

"Exactly," Alex said brightly. "What better way to get to know him than a rousing adventure? Come on, Clark, live a little. When was the last time you even flirted with a guy, let alone one as smoking hot as that?"

The truth was, it had been a long time since I'd felt even a flicker of attraction to anyone. After Sterling, I had practically become a monk, throwing myself into my work, convincing myself I was better off alone.

"I don't know, Alex," I said uncertainly. "I'm not exactly skilled in the art of flirtation. What if I make a fool of myself?"

"Impossible," Alex declared. "You're a catch, Clark. And if Prince Charming over there has any sense, he'll see that too. Just be yourself. Your adorably awkward, nerdy, wonderful self."

I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. "Okay," I said finally. "Okay, I'll do it. I'll ask him to join us. But you have to promise not to embarrass me, alright?"

"Scout's honor!" Alex said, holding up three fingers in a mock salute. "I'll be the very picture of discretion."

Somehow, I doubted that. But before I could lose my nerve, I was marching across the grass towards the object of my affection, my pulse pounding in my ears. The man looked up as I approached, a glimmer of curiosity in his stunning eyes.

"Hi there," I said, surprising myself with the steadiness of my voice. "I'm Clark. Couldn't help but notice you weren't dressed for the festivities. Didn't get the memo about the costume party?" I cringed inwardly at the lameness of my opening line.

But to my relief, the man chuckled, a deep, warm sound that made my toes curl in my boots. "Guess my invitation got lost in the mail," he said wryly. "I was just out for a jog and stumbled upon this merry gathering. I have to say, I'm feeling a bit underdressed now."

"Nonsense, you look great," I blurted out, then immediately wished I could sink into the ground.

The man's eyes sparkled with amusement, but there was no mockery in his gaze, only a gentle warmth that made my stomach flutter. "That's very kind of you to say," he murmured. "I'm Brody, by the way." He extended a hand, which I took in my own, marveling at the way his large palm enveloped mine.

"Brody," I repeated, liking the way his name felt on my tongue. "Nice to meet you. If you're not busy, would you maybe want to join my friend and I on this treasure hunt thingy? No pressure, of course. I just thought, the more the merrier and all that." I was rambling, and I knew it, but I couldn't seem to stop myself.

To my surprise, Brody's face lit up with a grin. "A treasure hunt? That sounds like fun! I'd love to join you guys, if you'll have me."

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