Listen to Your Heart

by Mona Ingram

  He placed a hand over his heart. “Oh, yeah.” His smile didn’t waver. “But it worked the other way as well.” He tilted his head. There are a lot of variations on ‘Not a Chance’ or ‘Last Chance’, or “Take a Chance’.

  Dale nodded. “I suppose so.” Dammit, but he was appealing. “Did Morgan send you?”

  He frowned. “Not exactly. I volunteered.”

  She gave him a puzzled look. “Why would you do that?”

  He lifted his shoulders in a casual shrug. “It seemed like a neighbourly thing to do. Besides, I thought it would be a great way to meet you.” He looked toward the baggage claim area. “Do you see your stuff yet?”

  She couldn’t believe that she’d taken her eyes off her bags for so long. “Yes, there it is...that black one.” She laughed. “What am I saying? They’re all black.” She pushed through the crowd and reached for the handle.

  His hand covered hers and for a moment they looked into each other’s eyes. “I’ve got it,” he said softly and she pulled away. Was her hand really tingling from his touch? She’d thought that sort of thing only happened in romance novels...not that she ever read them. Romance novels were nothing but fantasies, and she didn’t indulge in such nonsense. Her skis came around and she yanked them off the conveyor belt with more force than necessary.

  He lifted the bag effortlessly and motioned for her to follow him.

  The sun was bright in the parking lot and she looked around, shading her eyes with her free hand.

  He watched her without appearing to do so. “Did you come all the way from Calgary today?” He popped the back of an SUV and placed her bag inside. “I’ll bet you’re tired.” He reached for her skis and she surrendered them.

  He was being far too solicitous and she wasn’t sure she liked it. The men she knew would never have considered whether or not she was tired. She probably knew the wrong type of man, but it was much easier that way; there was no temptation to get involved.

  Chance scurried around and opened the passenger door.

  She made a move to get in and then stopped, one hand braced against the door frame. “I should warn you,” she said evenly. “I’m not interested in men.”

  He raised both eyebrows in mock surprise.

  “No, it’s not that.” She took a quick breath. “Poor choice of words. I like men; I just don’t want to get involved with one.”

  “That’s good. Less competition for me.” His gaze fell to her lips.

  She tried to stare him down but it was difficult when he was looking at her like that...as though he’d like to kiss her. The trouble was, in spite of her words, the thought appealed to her...a lot. She was in big trouble.

  “So, are you going to get in?”

  He was challenging her and she was surprised to find she liked it. She got in and he passed her the seat belt. “I’ve got it,” she said, somewhat breathlessly. If he tried to fasten it for her he’d be much too close...definitely not a good idea.

  “Right.” He slid into the driver’s seat, secured his seat belt and placed both hands on the steering wheel. “Where to? I was thinking we could drop your bags off and I could take you for a quick tour of the area.”

  “You make it sound like a date.” Now why had she said that? It was too late to take the words back. She closed her eyes and let her head fall back on the headrest. “Sorry. You’re right, I am tired. Let’s start by dropping off my stuff.”

  “You’ve got it.” Chance was silent on the drive to the Lodge, which was located about half way to the Village. He pulled up and she studied the building for a moment.

  “How am I supposed to get in?” She was angry with herself for not thinking ahead.

  Chance waved a card. “Here. Morgan sent her key card. She said yours is in your package at the hotel.” He got out and started to unload her suitcase. “You really do look tired. Maybe we should have our date some other time.”

  She grabbed the skis and trudged behind him to the front door. “I need a nap. One hour and I’ll be good to go.”

  He looked at his watch. “Okay. How about this? I’ll go back and tell Morgan you’ve arrived, check on my shop, and then I’ll come back and get you for dinner tonight. Morgan mentioned something about eating at the hotel.”

  She was suddenly too tired to argue. “Okay, what time?” She followed him into the elevator.

  “I’ll be here at six, how’s that? Gives you enough time to unpack a few things and have a power nap.” He led her down the hall to her room and opened the door. “Here you are.” He handed her the card. “See you later.”

  Chapter Six

  Dale studied Chance as he walked away, wondering what it was about this man that had attracted her. Because whether or not she wanted to admit it, she was attracted to him. He was tall and lean, and although she couldn’t see his body underneath his ski jacket, she sensed by the way he moved that he was fit and muscular. His cheerful outlook was refreshing in today’s world of brooding bad boys. She’d had enough of them to last a lifetime. Frowning, she took one last look and ducked into the room before he turned and saw her studying him. Warmth spread through her at the thought that he’d be back to pick her up. Where had that come from? She’d been serious when she’d told him that she wasn’t interested in getting involved with a man right now...but somehow her heart hadn’t been listening.

  “Dale Lewis,” she said aloud, heading for the empty bedroom. “You’re here to work and to learn how a boutique hotel runs, not to get involved.”

  “Great start”, said the voice in her head.

  “Maybe so, but I’m too tired to argue about it,” she said aloud, setting the alarm on her iPhone. She yanked back the duvet, crawled into bed and was asleep almost instantly.

  * * *

  Morgan had just finished checking in a family when Chance strode into the lobby. Did he ever stop smiling? She was beginning to wonder.

  “You found her?” she asked eagerly.

  “Sure did.” He jingled his keys. “She seemed tired, so I left her to have a nap and I’m going to pick her up later and bring her back for supper.”

  “A nap?” Morgan wondered if she’d heard him correctly.

  “Yeah. She was up early. Poor kid looked wiped out.” He moved closer to the desk. “I like her, Morgan, although you’re right; she’s kinda prickly.”

  Morgan glanced back toward the Manager’s office. He’d been showing up at the desk all afternoon, startling her. “You guys didn’t have a fight or anything?”

  “No, we’re cool.” Chance glanced down the hall and nodded his understanding. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

  * * *

  Dale was checking out the bookshelf in the common area downstairs when Chance came back. He stopped to watch her as she took down a book, opened it and started to read. Lost in the contents of the book, her expression was soft and open. Not at all like the closed-off woman he’d met this afternoon. He leaned up against a dividing wall, crossed his arms and studied her. Her long legs were encased in tight fitting black pants, and she wore a pair of calf-high leather boots. On top she wore an off-white crew necked sweater and a soft leather bomber jacket in rich brown. He wondered if she knew how attractive she was; somehow he doubted it.

  She looked up, spotted him and for a moment she looked happy to see him. But the expression faded as quickly as it had come. She slid the book back onto the shelf and he noted the position, intent on checking it out later.

  “Hi,” she said coolly. “You came back.”

  He pushed away from the wall. “I said I would.” If she thought she was going to get rid of him by playing hardball, she had another think coming. He’d grown up with two older sisters and survived. “Shall we go?”

  He pointed out various buildings as they drove back into the Village, but she didn’t seem to be paying attention. She sat sideways in the seat, studying him openly.

  “What do you do?” she asked during a lull in his narration.

  “You mean work?”


  She nodded.

  “I’m the Manager of the Ski Shop right next to the Zimmerli.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “Most of the time.” He shot her a quick glance. “Generally speaking, the people who come here are in a good mood, but there are always the unpleasant ones.”

  “I know what you mean. You should have seen how some of them treated the maids at the Lake. As if they’re sub-human or something.”

  “I know. My uncle was a porter at the Chateau back in the fifties.” He paused. “That’s where you came from, right? The Lake? I grew up in Lake Louise.”

  “Really? That’s interesting. But how did you know I was working there?”

  “I was telling Morgan about coming from there and she mentioned it. Anyway, Uncle Dave told me that back then the guests used to refer to the staff as servants.”

  She gave a soft little snort. “They may not call us servants to our face, but some of them still think of us that way. It will be interesting to see what the guests at Zimco’s hotels are like.”

  “More of the same, I expect.” He turned into the Village. “Here we are. We’ll park in the back and walk in.”

  They crunched through the snow and he remained silent as she got her first sight of the Village. The Stroll was crowded with skiers and riders, all talking excitedly about their day on the mountain and heading for their favourite watering holes.

  Dale nodded as they walked along. Chance wasn’t sure if she was nodding to herself or to him.

  “It’s about what I expected,” she said, turning to him. “Very cozy.” She hesitated before the entrance to the Zimmerli, looked up at the building then turned to him. “Where is your shop?”

  He touched her lightly at the waist and she gave him a startled look but didn’t object. He led her forward. “Over here.” The lights were still on and he was pleased to see several customers engaged with the staff. “We carry gear, and skis and boards.”

  She stood still for a moment, taking it in. “You have a lot of stock. The shop must be doing well.” She stepped aside as a customer came out carrying a purchase and looked at Chance. “Do you ski?”

  “Love it,” he said. “My dad had me on skis almost as soon as I could walk. Nowadays I don’t get out often enough.”

  “I know what you mean.” She glanced toward the lifts. “I’m a skier as well. I made myself a promise that when I got here I’d get out more often.” Her mouth curved in a rueful smile. “We’ll see.”

  Her stomach rumbled and she laughed, not at all embarrassed. Chance didn’t know what had happened to her in the past to make her so emotionally closed off, but that laugh at her own expense confirmed for him what he’d already suspected. She was a warm, vibrant woman, and he was determined to get to know her better, no matter what kind of barriers she put up.

  She looked at him as though reading his thoughts and he held her gaze, then gestured toward the hotel. “Let’s go and see if Morgan has finished her shift. I know somebody who needs to eat.”

  * * *

  “...and I’ve assigned the Glasser party to Suite 326-28.” Morgan was reviewing the late check-ins with the room clerk on the evening shift. “Mr. and Mrs. Glasser will occupy 326 and the nanny and their son will be in 328.” She looked up when Dale and Chance entered, and a smile lit her face.

  “You made it!” She grabbed her purse, came out from behind the desk and gave her friend a quick hug. “I’m so glad to see you.” She stepped back and looked over at Chance. “I’m hungry. I didn’t eat much for lunch.”

  They entered the restaurant and Tess pointed them in the direction the large table. “A bunch of us have sort of made this our table,” explained Chance, waiting as Morgan slid along the bench at the back and Dale followed. He moved a chair to the end of the table, blocking anyone else from sitting next to her. His eyes shone with pleasure as the two women got caught up.

  “So you stayed at home last night?” Morgan picked up the menu but didn’t look at it.

  Dale nodded. “Yes. Mom says hello, by the way. She took me to the airport this morning. I had to get the early flight; that’s why I was so tired.” She looked around for another menu then took the one from Morgan. “I need something to eat.” She glanced at Chance then back at the menu. “What’s good?”

  “Just about everything. I’m going to have lasagna tonight. Tyler does it well.” He nodded to himself. “Yeah. Lasagna, garlic bread and a Caesar.”

  Dale passed the menu back to Morgan. “Sounds good to me, too.” She paused for a moment. “Tyler is the chef?”

  “No, he’s the sous-chef. A wild Australian snowboarder who claims he’s working his way around the world.” He lowered his voice. “He has a still on the lower level.”

  Morgan lowered the menu. “You’re kidding. Why would he do that? Isn’t that dangerous?”

  Chance grinned. “No, because he can, and not really.” The server came by to take their orders and he waited until they were alone again. “When they dug the foundation for this place there were a few nooks and crannies down in the sub-basement where all the mechanical systems are located. Tyler seems to think it’s his duty to have a still; says he’s done it everywhere he’s worked.”

  Dale toyed with the cutlery beside her place. “I don’t want to know about it. What if the hotel finds out?”

  “The restaurant is physically connected to the hotel, but it’s leased out. Even so, I don’t think they’d be pleased. Not to mention it’s against the law.”

  “As well it should be.” Dale held up a hand. “Don’t get me started. I’m dead set against any type of mind-altering substance.”

  Chance opened his mouth to speak but Morgan managed to catch his eye and gave him a subtle shake of her head.

  He changed the subject. “So, Morgan, how did it go today with the training programme?”

  Dale turned to her roommate, her expression contrite. “I’m sorry, I should have asked.”

  It was Morgan’s turn to examine her cutlery. “I didn’t get the position.”

  “But...” Dale sputtered. “What happened? They told you in Banff that you’d been approved!”

  Morgan smiled at her friend’s outrage. Dale could always be counted on to be in her corner, no matter what.

  The outside door opened and a blast of cold air reached the table. Morgan looked up to see Rob. It seemed like forever since she’d seen him, since he’d brushed his lips against hers, and yet it was only yesterday. He spotted her and gave her that lazy, cocky grin that fascinated and enraged her at the same time.

  Chapter Seven

  “Hello everyone.” Rob pulled out a chair across from Morgan and for a long moment his gaze held hers. Then it moved sideways to Dale. “Hi, I’m Rob.” He stuck out his hand and Dale gave it a perfunctory shake. “Of course you are,” she said with a cool smile. She turned back to Morgan. “So what did they say?”

  Morgan kept her eyes downcast. “They said they’d changed their mind and decided to give it to someone with more experience working for Zimco.” She looked up and met Rob’s gaze. “They gave it to Adrian.”

  Rob’s eyes flashed. “I’m sorry, Babe, I really am. But Adrian! That wimp is such a loser.”

  Morgan ignored the endearment – if that’s what it was – and found herself defending Adrian. “No he’s not!” She looked over Rob’s shoulder. “He just walked in and he’s coming over this way. Please don’t say anything.”

  Adrian hovered near the table and Morgan motioned him to join them. “Adrian, I’d like you to meet Dale. She just arrived.”

  He leaned across the table and shook hands. “Welcome.” He looked uncomfortable. “I mean, nice to meet you.”

  “You, too.” Dale gave him an appraising look. “We were just talking about you. Morgan says you’ve been working for Zimco for a while.”

  “Ya.” He looked at Morgan and flushed bright red. “For quite a few years.”

  “So if we have any questions, we can ask you?”


  He looked from Dale to Morgan, then back again, lost for words.

  Dale gave a low, throaty laugh. “I’m just kidding, Adrian, and I really am glad to meet you.” She looked up as their meals were delivered. “Thank goodness. I’m starving.”

  Rob ordered steak, salad and a beer. Adrian ordered coffee and a salad. Rob raised his eyebrows at Adrian’s order but didn’t say anything. He leaned on the table and spoke to Morgan. “I forgot to ask you yesterday when we were up top. Do you ski?”

  She looked up from her food. “I do, but it’s been mostly cross-country. I left my gear at home.” She paused. “And Rob?”

  “Yes?” His tone was low and intimate.

  “I’m not your Babe.”

  For a split second anger flared in his eyes. A moment later, she wondered if she might have imagined it when he gave her an all-knowing smile. “Not yet, maybe.”

  She kicked herself for rising to his bait; she should have let the remark slide. “You’re pretty confident, aren’t you.” It wasn’t a question.

  He tipped his chair back and the look he gave her ignited every nerve ending in her body. “Just stating the obvious.”

  She decided not to pursue the conversation. Dale and Chance were eating, but they were absorbing every word. At the end of the table, Adrian acted as if he wasn’t listening as he stirred sugar into his coffee, but his stiff demeanor gave him away.

  “What about you?” Rob turned and paused. “Adrian, isn’t it?” Morgan could have smacked him for pretending not to know Adrian’s name. “Do you ski?”

  Morgan found herself cheering for Adrian as he leveled a look at Rob. “I did when I was younger, but not so much anymore.”

  “What’s the matter? Afraid you’ll fall off the mountain?” Rob’s tone was taunting.

  The colour drained from Adrian’s face. He pushed back from the table, stood, and grabbed the back of his chair as though to steady himself, then walked stiffly out of the restaurant.

  Rob watched him go with a self-satisfied smirk. “What’s the matter with him?” He turned to the others at the table and spread his hands. “What?”