Page 30 of Cupid's Shot

“You’ve put so much work in. Are you sure you want to part with it once you’re done renovating?”

“I’m a single guy. If I lived in a small apartment, it would give me so much more cash to live life with.”

“What if you weren’t a single guy?” I can’t believe I said it after it came out. Flustered, I sip my wine, gathering myself.

“Maybe I would have a different opinion. This house would be great for a family.”

We both look down at our salads, realizing the gravity of implications that could be made from the last few sentences we’ve exchanged.

“Ready for the main course?” he asks, and I nod. Aaron walks around the table, grabbing my plate. “This is the best Valentine’s Day ever,” he whispers before placing the most tender kiss on the top of my head.

I have to agree seeing him reappear with the decanter in one hand and two plates balanced on his arm. “Thank you for making tonight so special.”

He softly chuckles.

“What’s so funny?”

“Are you calling it a night?”

“No. This is just so nice.”

“Good. There’s a lot of night left ahead …” His words linger, and I am picking up what he is putting down. This is merely a prelude to a very, very sexy evening.

Cutting into his filet, a tension emerges on his face. “So … remember our server from La Nonna?” he asks after a silent moment.

“Yes. How could I forget how much that girl was drooling over you?”

“She came into the bar the other day …. and was very flirty, grabbing my hand and everything.”

“Okay? And?”What is he getting at?

“Being a bartender. I have to entertain a certain level of flirtation.”

“What are you saying?”Did he, like, kiss her or something?

“I make six figures in a dive bar because the ladies love that I give them a little flirt. How do you feel about that?”

“Is that all you’re giving them?”

He laughs. “That’s all I’m giving them.”

“Flirt away. Get that money!”

“Seriously, Sarah … if we were together, would you want me to dial it back?”

If we were together… Fuck. What if we were together? What if Aaron Olson was my boyfriend? I don’t hate the idea. I actually really like it.

“Define how you’re flirting with these ladies.”

“Telling them they look nice. Listening to their stories. Remembering their dogs’ names and important details they share with me … generally being a nice guy that gives them attention.”

“Aaron Olson. You are too cute. I thought you were going to say something far more scandalous.”

“Like what?”

“Like … I don’t know … like giving a little physical contact or something.”

“Never. Well, I never initiate or reciprocate. Of course women grab my hand … sometimes they even smack my ass as I walk past them.”

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