Page 2 of Cupid's Shot

“Where are your pants?” Emily’s motherly tone scolds, seeing me approach.

“What?” I smile, bouncing to the techno version of a classic love song blaring through the speakers. The place is decked out—there’s hardly an inch of ceiling left without red and pink streamers or heart-shaped decorations. “This is how all the girls online are dressing,” I say, plopping down beside them. “I’m on trend.”

“Do you at least have volleyball shorts under that sweatshirt?” Emily squints at me.

Lifting up my oversized red crewneck sweater, I show them my red spandex shorts and spank my ass for effect.

“Another day, another grand entrance from Sarah.” Rachel laughs, shaking her head. “Those sunglasses are too cute, though!”

I smile, also loving my heart-shaped pink sunglasses.

“Where’s your Valentine?” I ask Emily, thrilled she’s finally dating again. She’s still in the early stages of her relationship with Nicholas, and I really like him for her.

“Somewhere around here,” she says, scanning the room. We all do, trying to spot him. The place looks like Cupid exploded—rose petals and heart-shaped candies on every table, tea lights flickering softly.

“He’s not going to be jealous?” I tease. “You sitting unaccompanied at a single’s event?”

“Please.” Emily gives me a side eye. “I’m here to support you two single ladies and manage what I’m sure will be a growing line of suitors.”

I open my mouth to respond, but instead, a weird noise escapes—almost a shrill squeal. “Since when does Aaron have abs like that?!”

Aaron, who we all know from growing up in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has been bartending at High Five for years. Tonight, he’s shirtless, wearing angel wings, and rocking a drool-worthy V-shape that makes me want things I’ve never considered. His pants are slung low, just right.When did this happen?Lusting after him feels strange since I’ve known him since kindergarten.

“Well,” Rachel starts slowly, her face looking like she’s combing through all of her memories. “I’ve only seen him in one of those wrestling outfits when we were in school.”

“It’s called a singlet,” I inform the girls. Aaron looks so different from when we were in high school, in a very good way.

“Didn’t he wrestle at the lowest weight class?” Emily asks.

“Something like that.” He didn’t peak at eighteen, that’s for sure. Aaron is jacked yet not beefy. He’s at least sixty poundsheavier, which isn’t saying much. “He was definitely under one hundred and twenty-five pounds, I remember that.”

Aaron Olson is all fucking man now.And that’s … too weird. My pulse quickens.Get a grip, Sarah. This is Aaron. The nice guy that helped tutor you so you’d pass calculus.The more I stare at him, the more I feel like I’m crossing some invisible line I shouldn’t even be near. I look at the drink menu, trying to distract myself. I may literally drool if I stare at Cupid any longer.

“I’m torn between The First Kiss and Head Over Heels,” Rachel says after a moment.

“They have so many good cocktails for this event!” I manage to smile, pretending I’m not still distracted by the sight of Aaron.

“Shots for the ladies!” The server arrives with a tray of Jello shots. We all stare at them, hesitation flashing across our faces. I want to laugh. In our twenties, we would have screamed in excitement for Jello shots. Now, in our thirties, all I can think about is how shots are usually the gateway to a hangover.

“And you,” the server points at me. “The ‘hot girl with the legs.’ These are from a secret admirer.”

Rachel and Emily squeal in unison. “The hot girl with the legs!”

“Well, I’ve achieved one of tonight’s goals.” I smile with a growing smugness.

“And what’s that?” Rachel presses.

“A free drink.”

“So, who is it from?” I ask the server, curious now.

“I’ve been sworn to secrecy,” she says with a wink.

“They’re doing tons of promos tonight,” Emily adds. “You can send a singing telegram—oh my God!” Her eyes widen, and she bursts out laughing. We all turn to see Nicholas behind the bar, also shirtless, wearing wings.

“Damn, Em.” I laugh, picking my jaw up from the floor. “You have left out some major details about Santa.”

She laughs, her face blushing. “I didn’t know he would be wearing that.”

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