Page 29 of The Valentine's Bet

I tune into the cheerful and vibrant acoustic set filling the air. “I don’t think it’s that bad. It reminds me of my favorite band, The Band Allen.” I think of the folksy indie group and smile.

“Really?” Weston’s face lights up. “I love The Band Allen. Did you know they’re gonna be playing here in the city on Valentine’s Day?”

“What?!” I gasp. “Are you serious? I’ve never seen them in concert before. Ihaveto go.” I pull out my phone and Google their tour dates, landing on the Valentine’s Day showing.

Holy...

“Yeah, the tickets are crazy expensive. I guess the concert is some kind of private showing—that’s why I haven’t bought any,” Weston grunts from beside me. “I love concerts, but I can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money.”

“So, you wouldn’t want to go with me?” I offer, hoping he’ll change his mind.

“Nah, I’m hoping to have a date that evening.”

Parker’s laugh grabs my attention. “Why’s that?”

“Because. Valentine’s Day is a cool holiday,” Weston reasons, just as his eyes land on a pretty blonde standing a few feet away. “And I’m gonna go find someone to spend it with right now.”

Parker raises an eyebrow. “Did none of the three girls you met at the matchmaking event pan out?”

“Nah, man. So now I’m on the hunt for a date for tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve party. Oh, and Amy.” He turns to me. “You’re invited. Parker will send you the address. It’s a rooftop party. You don’t want to miss it.”

I smile. “I’ll be there.” I then turn to Parker. “Will you send me the info?”

He grimaces. “I guess so. What’s your number?” I tell him my phone number while he types it in and then immediately sends me an address. “It starts at eight, I think.”

“I’ll be there,” I say, feeling a little relief that I at least won’t be stuck at home on New Year’s Eve. “Thanks.”

“Yeah, for sure. It gets a little wild sometimes, so there’s that.”

“And you still go?” I tease. “I don’t peg you as the party-going type.”

“Ha ha,” he snorts, but then never has a chance to say anything else as a tall blonde approaches us.

“Parker Harris?” she asks, her bright blue eyes appearing even brighter under her white beanie.

“That’s me.” He smiles as he turns to meet her gaze.

“You don’t know who I am, but I just started working for Energy Tech, and they were raving about you—and how you completely re-engineered their cloud.” She beams, and I can’t help but admire just how pretty she is with her flawless complexion and color-coordinating coat and hat.

And the way Parker is smiling at her is ...different.

“Oh yeah? I did some contract work for them a few years back, but it’s good to know they appreciated it.” His voice is cool and even, not anythingcloseto the way he’s ever talked to me.

“Yeah, it made such a difference,” the blonde says. “I’m Gretchen.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Parker responds, extending his hand and shaking hers. “Really.”

My stomach knots up.

He’s so much smoother than I thought.

“Sorry if I interrupted your conversation.” Gretchen turns to me. “I justhadto see if it was really the man I thought it was.”

“Oh no, you’re good,” I say quickly, taking a few steps back.

“This is Amy, one of my friends.” Parker shoots me a passing glance, but that’s as far as it gets before he’s focused on Gretchen again.

Maybe blondes are his type or something.

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