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As her father made introductions, Harper couldn’t miss Seth’s gaze flicking between her and Sienna. Yeah, they looked nothing alike.
Did Seth think anything of the physical differences between her and her sister? Harper mentally shook her head. Why would that even matter? She hardly knew the man.
“Lance and I owe you big time for the tickets.” Sienna addressed Harper, pulling her back into the conversation. Her sister grinned and rubbed her hands together. “My darling husband has worked every day for the last month on a huge deal and needs a break.” She dashed a look at her father. “Not that he’s complaining.”
Lance was on the management team at Brooke-Porter Digital, a job he’d held before meeting and marrying Sienna five years ago.
“But it will be great to have some fun,” Sienna continued. “We’ve booked the babysitter too, so it’s all systems go.”
“Harper mentioned a concert,” their father said. His tone implied he wasn’t impressed.
Sienna nodded. “A rock concert.” She named a popular band from England.
“They’re awesome live. You’ll enjoy yourselves.” Seth smiled at her sister, revealing the hint of a dimple in one stubble-covered cheek.
Sienna stared back, her mouth slightly open and blinked as if catching herself. “Ah, thanks.”
Yeah, there was magic in Seth Justice’s smile.
“The manager of the venue is a customer of mine.” Harper pulled out an envelope from her purse and handed it to Sienna. “Two tickets, fourth row, right in the middle.”
“Fantastic.” Sienna clutched the envelope to her chest.
Her father looked at the white package as if it were contagious. “Is this some new side business of yours, Harper? Bartering with your customers?”
The group went quiet. Seth and Dillon exchanged looks. Seth’s face darkened with some strong emotion as his lips thinned. Sienna’s back went ramrod straight.
Harper gritted her teeth. She wanted to kick the pointed toe of her shoe into her father’s shin, but damned if she’d reveal how deeply his insults cut.
“Yeah, Father, I have a whole black market enterprise.” She leaned forward, looked left then right, and murmured, “I can get you a knock-off Rolex. Or maybe a fake Fendi clutch for Mother?”
Seth choked on his mouthful of beer, his gaze glittering. He wiped his mouth and grinned at Harper. Dillion chuckled as he lifted his glass to his mouth.
Sienna gave Harper a laughing look before tactfully changing the subject. “Great crowd here tonight, Dad.”
From the stony expression on her dad’s face as he nodded at Sienna, he didn’t share everyone’s humor. But he’d have to have a sense of humor in the first place.
“Sienna,” a man called from behind them.
Her sister glanced back and waved at an older looking man standing with a stylishly dressed woman around the same age.
Sienna turned to Harper, regret filling her gaze. “I’ve got to go. He’s a huge client of Lance’s. We’re joining him and his wife for dinner. I’ll call you Sunday.” As she hugged Harper, Sienna whispered in her ear, “If you leave this party without having a drink with that tall hunk of Aussie, I’ll disown you.”
Taking a step back, she nodded to the men. “Gentlemen. Father.” Then she left.
Her father looked toward the other side of the gardens. “I see someone I need to speak with.” He turned to Seth. “I’m pleased we got the deal wrapped up today. Please, stay and enjoy the evening.” He shook hands with both men. “The announcement should have gone live by now.” He faced Dillon. “My team will be in touch first thing tomorrow.”
Dillon straightened his shoulders. “We’ll be ready.”
“We’re pleased too, Stanton, and thanks for the invite.” Seth lifted his glass in a salute.
Her father inclined his head and turned toward her. “Harper, no doubt I’ll see you at your sister’s birthday dinner. Until then...”
“Yes, I’ll be there.” Her words met the back of his already retreating figure. She sighed and turned to Dillon as she tried to ignore the burn of Seth’s watchful gaze on her.
“Dad’s team?” Why hide her curiosity? Harper had never been into playing games.
“We’ve entered into negotiations for Brooke-Porter Digital to buy Seth’s app design business,” Dillon shared.
