Page 127 of The One

“But it will fit the aesthetics of Iceland,” Jo offered. “We’ve put a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a lot of research into this hotel. With the recent boom of tourists traveling there and the cost visitors are willing to spend, we believe this could be one of our most successful properties.”

“And we will do everything in our power to make it so,” Ridge said.

I could see the enthusiasm on Hart’s face. He was practically foaming at the fucking mouth.

“What do you say?” he asked his siblings, rubbing his hands together as he waited for their responses.

Walker—the oldest in the family and the creator of every recipe and dish on their menus—was one of the most praised chefs in the business. He replied, “Locally sourced. Farm to table. Authentic flavors. I’m ready to start cooking now.” He nodded toward Hart. “I think it’s a hell of an idea, but”—he glanced at his sister, Eden, who sat next to him—“from a financial standpoint, is it doable?”

She swept her long hair away from her face and put her hand on Walker’s shoulder. “The logistics of getting supplies to Iceland isn’t as easy as other countries in Europe. Everything, aside from food, will have to be imported. We’ll have to use an Icelandic wholesaler, and there will be a value-added tax.” She glanced at Colson, their COO. “Doable? Yes. Complicated? Very much so. But exciting?” She smiled at the group. “Absolutely.”

Colson seemed to ponder everything his siblings had said. The five of them had equal roles and voices, like the seven of us did, but his opinion tended to push things forward if the others were undecided. “This is a big decision,” he said. “I’d like time to pull some numbers and see how profitable this restaurant couldbe, but”—he held his hand out to Ridge, who sat next to him—“we could very well have a deal.”

Ridge shook his hand. “Excellent.”

“Who will be spearheading this project?” Hart asked.

The room went silent.

And within that quietness, I took a deep breath. “Me.”

When the darkness threatened to pull me under and I needed to get the fuck out of Dodge, I didn’t want to go to one of our hotels, where every employee tried to impress me and did everything in their power to please me. I wanted to go somewhere I didn’t know anyone.

The last time, I’d ended up in Iceland.

And I immediately fell for the island. The moodiness of the weather, the Viking mindset, the architecture that was cold and sharp, clean air that allowed me to breathe.

That was when the idea had come to me, and that had been almost a year ago.

I would be leaving for Reykjavik in the next few months.

A thought that had once excited me.

But that just wasn’t the case anymore.

“We’ve never worked on a project with you before,” Hart replied.

“I promise to make it a memorable experience.” I winked.

Hart let out a laugh. “My man, I have no doubt you will.”

Everyone got up from the table, the room full of murmurs as we made our way out into the hallway. I was only a few steps from my office when someone grabbed my hand.

I glanced to my side, meeting Rowan’s stare, her fingers now linked with mine.

“Let’s talk,” she said.

Before I could decline her offer, she was pulling me into her office, where Ridge was already waiting.

“What is this? A fucking ambush?”

She shut the door and took a seat behind her desk. “Call it a family meeting.” She nodded toward the chair next to the one Ridge was sitting in. “Take a seat.”

I sighed. “I know you’re not barking orders at me.”

She pressed her hands together and placed them under her chin. “Rhett, please, will you sit?”

I slumped down in the chair, my leg bouncing, my hands gripping the armrests. “What is it you want to talk about?”