The press conference announcing Hugo’s run for attorney general is being held in the lobby of the Park Mountain Lodge, owned by my uncle, Theo. There are cameramen and journalists everywhere. When a Park makes an announcement, everyone wants to know about it. Even though Theo and Dad don’t get along as well as me and my brothers do, Theo always shows up when it’s time to support the family. Like now, offering his rustic, yet stunning lodge as the backdrop for this announcement.

Everything the Parks do is ostentatious and over-the-top.

The lobby is packed with people and I’m dying to get out of here. All I want is for the night to fall so I can go to my girl.

She is my girl.

I was a dumbass to think I could even stay away. Or, hell, even be friends. Our chemistry is an unstoppable fire. I’ve already gone this far, so I don’t plan on stopping now.

“Quite the turnout,” Hugo says, sidling up beside me. “Our brother cleans up well.”

Dempsey sits next to Dad, dressed in a charcoal suit, glaring at the floor like it could open up and swallow him, saving him from this nonsense. Spencer, beside him, is dressed nearly the same but wears his suit like he was born with it on. Gemma, beside Jamie, could pass for her mother’s twin, both of them wearing similar black dresses.

All that’s missing is Jude.

“I take it Phantom isn’t coming,” I rumble low enough for only Hugo to hear.

He nudges me. “Don’t call him that.”

“How come he gets a free pass to all this shit anyway?” I cross my arms over my chest, feeling indignant that Jude doesn’t have to come, but I do. “Maybe if I get a mask to hide my ugly mug and become a hermit, I could stay holed up too.”

“Don’t be a dick.”

“I was born a dick, man.”

Hugo turns on the charm as an elderly woman approaches. She looks familiar, but I can’t place her.

“Mrs. Jackson,” Hugo greets. “What an honor for you to show up this evening.”

“You know I’ve always had a special place in my heart for you Parks.” Her green eyes glitter. “How’s your grandfather? Jude still living with him?”

Ahh, Gretchen Jackson. The woman my grandfather, Wyatt, broke up with for our grandmother, Catherine. Gretchen since went on to marry the second wealthiest man, Richard Jackson, though I feel like she still holds out for a reunion with our grandfather.

“You know those two,” Hugo says cheerfully. “Can’t separate them.”

He fails to mention that Jude only tolerates Grandpa because he lets him live in his house. They’re both mean as snakes, which is kind of hilarious that they choose to cohabitate.

“Tell Wyatt I said hello. Can you do that, son?”