Page 5 of Cupid's Shot

“No!” Emily laughs. “Some guy in this bar bought them for you. I’m sure he’ll build up the courage soon enough to reveal himself.”

“Be patient!” Rachel taps my hand.

I sigh, sinking back into my chair. Patience.Yeah, right.This whole secret admirer thing is driving me crazy.

4

“Aaron!” Sarah’s voice catches me off guard.Wait, have I been revealed already?That didn’t last long. I haven’t even figured out what my next move is yet. There are too many drinks to make and not enough time to think.Do I get her number? Ask her to dinner?

“Did I scare you?” she asks, and my eyes quickly check her out. Sarah’s always been pretty, but now, this is the most beautiful she’s ever been. There’s something about her tonight—a confidence, a glow—that makes it hard to focus.

“No,” I laugh, taking a deep breath through my nose, trying to keep my composure. “What’s up?”

“Please tell me the guy in the bowling shirt is not buying me drinks.” She’s sassy, impatient, and direct—exactly how I remember her. But there’s something about her impatience that draws me in even more.I can work with that.I’m going to lean into her curiosity, keep her guessing for as long as I can.

“It’s not him,” I say coyly, knowing exactly who her secret admirer is.

“Well, spill already.”

Absolutely not,I decide right at that moment. I’m not going to reveal my identity until Valentine’s Day. I’m going to keep this charade going.

“See these wings?” I gesture with both thumbs, flexing a little more than necessary. Might as well make the most of this ridiculous outfit. “I’m Cupid. And Cupid doesn’t tell.” I’m already loving this little teasing game.

“Come on! At least give me a hint.”

I glance around the room, playing dumb, enjoying the anticipation building between us. “Your secret admirer is more obvious than you’re thinking.”

“Is it the girls?!” she blurts out, exasperated, and I can’t help but laugh.She has no idea.

She couldn’t be more wrong, and that makes me laugh. My mind races with ideas like sending her little gifts and notes, driving her crazy. I just hope she doesn’t have a boyfriend.Please don’t have a boyfriend.I haven’t heard anything around town. I mean, she’s at this single’s event after all. So I’m hoping that means she’s single.

“I gave you a hint,” I manage, trying not to let my nerves reveal me. “See these orders? I am working here.”

“Fine,” she huffs, frustrated but still playful as she turns and walks back to her friends.

Watching her go, all I want is for her to be my Valentine.

5

“High Fivers!” the server’s voice crackles through the microphone, cutting through the chatter of the bar. “Our God of love, our mixer of drinks, tonight’s Cupid, and everyone’s favorite—Aaron—is ready for some pics.”

“God,” I scoff, rolling my eyes at the girls. But even as I say it, my eyes linger on Aaron, and ... well, maybe it’s not that much of an exaggeration. The more I stare at him, the more that statement feels a little too accurate.

Rachel chuckles, her grin downright mischievous. “It’s only fair that I buy you a photo with Aaron.”

“No!” I playfully swat her arm. “No. I don’t need a photo with Aaron.”

“Oh, come on!” Emily protests.

I raise an eyebrow, smirking. “Should I sit on his lap so we can have matching pics?” I tease.

Emily just sticks her tongue out at me. “You’re the creative one. Come up with something good.”

“Consider it done!”

I scamper over to the photobooth with an extra sway in my step since my secret admirer might be watching.

“Alright, Cherub,” I say, standing in front of Aaron. “You strong enough to hold me like I’m a little basket of flowers you’re delivering to someone? Let’s get my secret admirer riled up.”

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