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We honor that promise not just because we were raised on stories of the Phantom, but because preserving the place we call home is simply the right thing to do. Maybe the legend is true. Maybe it isn’t. Either way, Ashford Falls has flourished ever since.

Every year, we hold the Phantom Festival to remember where we came from and renew the promise our town was built upon.

And every year, someone from my family has the honor of leading it.

Deep down, we all know it’s a privilege. That doesn’t mean any of us is eager to volunteer for the extra work.

Since Luka led the festival last year, and our oldest brother Leo the year before that, we decided the competition should be between the remaining three of us so eventually everyone has a turn. Then, after that, we’ll cycle back through. Rinse and repeat.

For the challenge to be fair, the events needed to be random. So we all submitted three ideas, and Luka randomly chose the first out of a hat.

Even Jett, the broodiest Kingsley of us all, couldn’t resist competing for an opportunity for bragging rights—as long as we agreed to hold said events outside of Restaurant after the lunch rush.

So not only did I just lose to both my brothers in an old-fashioned footrace, but thanks to Jett’s need not to be inconvenienced, I did so with a live audience watching the whole thing.

“Dang, Roman. How do you manage to run so hard, yet so slow?” Big Dan yells from the small crowd that’s gathered around us.

“He skedaddled as hard as he could,” his buddy Hank says with a chuckle. As the owner of Auto Shop and Hardware Store next door, those two seem to have front-row seats to the town’s latest excitement.

Not that they’re any different from the rest of the nosy people in this town.

I shoot a glare at my little brother who’s celebrating like he’s just won an Olympic gold medal.

“You’re just lucky your event was chosen.” I turn my glare toward the peanut gallery. “I’d like to see you two give it a go.”

That seems to shut them up.

I’m usually not one to stoop to that level, but I’m feeling extra prickly this afternoon.

Besides, I don’t know anyone over the age of thirty who’s prepared for a spur-of-the-moment sprint. Not to mention my footwear putting me at a severe disadvantage. Maybe I should stop trying to look so professional and trade in my leather loafers for sneakers like Guy. And at least Jett has his slip-resistant kitchen shoes. If this were an arm wrestling or rock-climbing match like I suggested, the outcome would be very different.

“Looks like it’s down to Jett and Roman,” Luka says with a grunt just as Guy jumps on his back.

I clench my jaw but refrain from giving them any more of a reaction than I already have. Even as adults, my little brothers have a way of getting under my skin. At least Jett’s mature about⁠—

The thought immediately fizzles when I catch sight of Jett doing the running man alongside Guy to “Jump” by Kriss Kross, Clyde watching proudly as he records them on his phone. He’s another meddling neighbor. I swear these men are worse than the women when it comes to town gossip.

I shake my head and blow out a huff. Normally I wouldn’t feel so… irritated by losing, especially when I know it’s a game of luck, considering we all submitted the events we knew we’d be the strongest in. But I haven’t quite been myself after the life-altering night I spent with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I could kick myself for not getting her number. Of course, when I came to my senses this morning and asked around about her, the concierge refused to give me anything. They wouldn’t even tell me her name.

I’ve racked my brain, trying to remember any personal detail that might help me figure out who she is or where she came from, but the little vixen never revealed anything about herself.

Fucking hell, the one time I actually forgo being a gentleman and don’t at least buy her dinner before jumping into bed with her, the woman of my actual dreams disappears before I can come to my senses. Serves me right.

Jesus, just thinking about that perfect night sends a wave of chills up my spine. The things I’d do to her if only I had more time...

I feel my cock growing stiff, and I shake my head. Great, now everyone is going to think I’m getting off on losing in front of the whole town. I guess the acronym is proving to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Guy comes up behind me and claps me on the shoulder. “Aw, come on, Roman. Don’t be a sore loser…just because you came in last. I’m sure if Leo were here, you’d have a solid chance at fourth place⁠—”

“Hey, don’t bring me into this,” Leo says from a FaceTime call on Luka’s phone. “Ivy keeps my ass in tip-top shape chasing her⁠—”

“Please, spare us the details,” Guy yells over him, plugging his fingers in his ears. “I’d like to preserve my fantasies of your girl just the way they are—without you.”

“Don’t you dare fantasize about Ivy when you touch your skinny little cock!” Leo growls, his face turning bright red.

“Too late, big brother,” Guy waggles his eyebrows. “Because I already do. Did it this morning, as a matter of fact.” He leans closer to the phone screen and whispers, “And there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

“That’s it. I’m flying home just to kick your scrawny, freckled ass⁠—”