Listen to Your Heart

by Mona Ingram

  Dale put down her fork. “What’s your problem?” She spoke in a low, reasonable tone of voice. Morgan glanced at Chance, who was watching her with a fascinated smile.

  Rob shrugged. “Nothing. I just asked him a simple question and he ran off like a little girl.”

  “What’s your last name?” She gave him a thin smile.

  Rob looked confused. “Taylor.”

  Dale nodded. “Well, Rob Taylor, I’ve only just met you, but I know one thing about you already. You’re an arrogant asshole.” She picked up her fork and started eating again.

  A startled server stood behind him, holding his meal. He looked up and nodded to a table across the room. “Take it over there,” he said, and rose. He glared at Dale then nodded to Morgan. “See you later,” he said, then went to join a group of women who shoved each other aside to make room for him.

  Morgan watched him go, unsure what had just happened.

  “What’s his problem?” Dale repeated. “Besides being a pig, that is.” She glared at Morgan. “And don’t you dare tell me you’re attracted to him. Look in the dictionary under ‘bad boy’ and you’ll find his picture.”

  Morgan looked across the room, where the women on either side of Rob were rubbing up against him like cats. “I suppose so,” she said, returning her attention to her friend. “But he’s got something.”

  “Maybe so, but do you want to catch it?” Dale spoke as though she and Morgan were the only ones at the table. “Listen to me, Morgan. There’s a reason these types are called bad boys. It’s because they’re bad. You don’t need someone like him in your life.”

  She turned and looked surprised to see Chance sitting next to her. “Tell her.”

  Chance shook his head. “I usually don’t give advice, but I have a couple of sisters and I’d probably tell them to be careful around him.”

  “Yeah.” Morgan was silent for a moment. “I hope Adrian’s all right. Did you see him turn white when Rob mentioned skiing?” She frowned. “What was it he said? Something about falling off the mountain, wasn’t it?”

  Chance nodded. “Something like that. Maybe he injured himself and it brought back bad memories. Whatever it was, he seemed shaken.” He wiped up the last of the tomato sauce with a chunk of bread. “I don’t know much about him other than the fact that he’s from Switzerland. He keeps to himself.”

  “Does he live at the Lodge?” Dale asked.

  “Yes,” said Chance, “but he doesn’t mingle much.”

  Dale turned thoughtful. “He seems pleasant enough. Maybe he’s just shy.” She looked at Morgan. “He likes you, though.”

  Morgan almost choked. “Me?” She was surprised to find that she liked the idea. “Why would you say that?”

  Dale gave Chance a quick, almost intimate smile. “I don’t think he sat here because of us.”

  Morgan waved her comment away. “We always sit here. Chance told you. It’s like a staff table.”

  Dale gave her that look. “Nevertheless, he likes you.” She patted her lips with her napkin and turned to Chance. “Were you going to drive us back, or do you have something to do?”

  Morgan couldn’t believe that her fiercely independent friend was actually asking for a ride.

  “I was going to check on the shop, but that will only take five minutes. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Morgan spoke up. “Hello you guys. I’m here too, or do you want me to get lost?”

  “Don’t be silly.” A slight blush crept up Dale’s neck. “Let’s go. By the way, do I need to pick up that package from the hotel or can we get by with just using your key tonight?”

  “Just one key is fine for tonight. The housekeeper mentioned that she’d like you to report in around eight in the morning, so we can go in together.” Morgan made it as far as the door without looking over at Rob. “It’s been a long day for me, too.”

  They stepped outside and she took a deep breath of fresh air. Fine snowflakes swirled in the air as they stood in front of the ski shop and watched Chance close up. “He’s nice, isn’t he?” Morgan asked quietly.

  “He’s too nice.” Dale’s voice was tinged with longing. “That’s what worries me.”

  Morgan hoped it wasn’t happening again. Dale always found an excuse to push back against the men who interested her. Granted, none of the men from her past relationships had been anywhere near as nice as Chance, so they’d been no loss. But she knew the signs; her friend was already donning her armour, and there was nothing she could do to influence the outcome.

  “Okay, ladies.” Chance ushered out the last staff member, turned on the night lights and alarm, and locked the door. “I’ll give you that ride now.” He glanced quickly at Morgan, then turned his attention to Dale. Snow caught in his eyelashes as he smiled down at her and a stab of jealousy caught Morgan by surprise. She didn’t think a man had ever looked at her like that.

  “Come on.” Chance motioned for her to catch up and they trudged three abreast through the freshly fallen snow. “It’s been a long day for both of you.”

  Morgan made her way to the Lodge entrance as soon as they were parked. Dale and Chance followed more slowly, seemingly unaware of her presence. It was the first time she’d been alone since hearing the disappointing news this morning and tears threatened as the reality of her situation sunk in. She wasn’t sure if she’d have come here if the training opportunity hadn’t existed, but it was too late now. If she quit and went back to Banff, Zimmerli at Whistler would be left short-staffed, and an abrupt departure wouldn’t look good on her resumé. She clenched her teeth and headed for the elevator; Dale and Chance could follow when they were ready.

  * * *

  “Thank you for having dinner with me tonight.” Chance opened the door to the Lodge and followed her into the lobby area.

  Dale was about to tell him that it wasn’t exactly a date but something held her back. Maybe it was the tone of his voice, or the hopeful look in his eyes, but she swallowed the harsh rejoinder. His presence had a calming influence on her and that fact pleased her almost as much as it frightened her.

  “It was nice,” she said finally. “And in case I forgot to say this earlier, thank you for picking me up this afternoon.” She took a few steps toward the elevator and then came back. “Would you like to go skiing some time?” The transparent joy on his face clutched at her heart. “Together?”

  “Yes,” he said simply. “I’d like that very much.” He moved toward her and for a moment she thought he was going to kiss her.

  Please don’t, said the voice in her head. I want you to kiss me, but it’s too soon.

  He seemed to read her thoughts and stopped inches away. “We could set a time now, but I’m thinking you’ll want to check your schedule first.”

  “Good idea,” she said, wondering if he could see the pulse pounding in her throat. “I’ll have a better idea after tomorrow.”

  “Uh huh.” He was looking at her as if she was a winning lottery ticket.

  The elevator pinged. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” She stepped inside, pressed the number for her floor and leaned against the wall. What was she doing? She’d just gone against every instinct she possessed and asked a man for a date!

  A slow smile crept over her face as she pictured the look on his face. Whistler was definitely looking good.

  * * *

  The elevator door closed and Chance did his version of a happy dance, then looked around guiltily. He’d been so wrapped up in Dale that he hadn’t checked to see if anyone was in the lobby. But he was alone, and he wasn’t ready to go to his room quite yet. He crossed the open space in front of the television and went to the bookshelf. The book she’d been reading this afternoon was hard cover, and he spotted it without any trouble. It was a book on the West Coast Trail. Judging by her fitness, she was probably a hiker. The book fell open to several pages of colour photographs and he could see why she’d been smiling as she read it. The scenery was spectacula
r. Pictures of moss-draped trees contrasted sharply with vistas of broad, empty beaches. There weren’t even any footprints on the sand, just bleached logs and random piles of kelp. Shots of bears, eagles, orcas and humpback whales drew his attention and he read the photo captions, thinking that one day he’d like to travel with her to the remote west coast of Vancouver Island. From Whistler they could be there in a day if they left early.

  “Take it easy, Larson,” he chided himself. “You’ve only known her for a few hours.”

  So why did it feel so right? He closed the book, returned it to its spot and nodded to himself. Some things were meant to be, and this was one of them. He could be patient.

  Chapter Eight

  Adrian was already at the concierge desk when Morgan arrived for work the next morning. He was assisting a young couple but looked up and then quickly turned his attention back to the guests.

  She was scheduled to work most of the morning shift alone; Adrian was to be on hand for a few hours over the noon hour and for her afternoon break. Hopefully he would open up about what had upset him yesterday, but she wasn’t counting on it.

  “Excuse me!” She’d been assigning rooms for the afternoon check-ins and looked up to see a strikingly beautiful woman on the other side of the desk, long fingernails tapping impatiently. “I’m Mrs. Glasser in Suite 326. Where is the closest hairdresser?”

  Morgan glanced across at Adrian, but he was on the telephone and the couple he was helping looked as though they were settled in for a while. “I know of two in the Village.” She gave the woman the locations. “Would you like me to call for you?”

  “They aren’t far, are they?” She started to pull on her gloves.

  “No, Mrs. Glasser. They’re both within a few hundred feet.”

  The woman gave her a scathing look. “Then I’ll walk, and take my chances.” She strode away without a word.

  Morgan watched her leave, and then checked the hotel records. Mr. Glasser hadn’t arrived as scheduled last night; evidently he would check in within the next day or two. CEO of a large software development company, he was an important customer of Zimco hotels.

  The rest of the morning passed quickly with checkouts and general enquiries. Adrian glanced her way several times but he stayed busy the entire morning and was only able to break away a few minutes before Morgan’s scheduled lunch break.

  “Sorry,” he said, scanning the check-ins and room assignments. “It got crazy for a while there, but thankfully Mr. Drescher is back now.” He was avoiding looking at her and she was surprised at how much that hurt.

  She spoke lightly. “You looked like you were handling things pretty well on your own.”

  His hand stilled over the keyboard. “Just lucky, I guess.” He shot a quick look at the concierge desk. “Klaus’ wife wasn’t feeling well last night and he took her into Vancouver to a specialist. I hope it’s nothing serious. That’s the thing about Zimco; they never expect the employees to put work before family.” He returned his attention to the computer. “I’ll cover for you if you want to have your lunch break now.”

  “Okay.” If she’d thought he was going to open up, she was disappointed. She reached for her purse.

  “Morgan?” He was frowning, but at least he was looking at her. “I’m sorry about last night.” He took off his glasses and rubbed at his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept well. “I must have looked like a real wimp running out like that.” He put his glasses back on. “It’s just that...”

  The door leading to the hall opened and the hotel manager appeared with a piece of paper in his hand. “I’d like to check the room assignment for the Graham party,” he said without preamble.

  “Yes, Sir.” Adrian called up the reservation on the computer, then spoke softly to Morgan. “See you when you get back from lunch.”

  * * *

  Morgan did a quick scan of the restaurant as she entered, hoping that Rob had decided to eat somewhere else. Her prayers were answered, and she greeted the lift personnel at the table as she sank gratefully onto the bench behind the table. Dale joined her a few minutes later, her skirt and blouse crisp and unwrinkled. Morgan never understood how she did it.

  “So, what do you think?”

  Dale shrugged. “So far it’s about as I expected. They have duvets, but then you already know that.” She lowered her voice. “I hate changing duvet covers, but I must say that all their linens are top of the line.” She glanced at the menu and ordered a bowl of soup. She rarely had large meals while she was working.

  “There’s a woman in 326-28 who’s a real piece of work.”

  Morgan nodded. “Mrs. Glasser. Yes, I met her about half an hour ago.”

  Dale’s lips tightened into a thin line; a sure sign she was annoyed. “There’s a nanny in the party and she treats her like dirt.” She accepted her coffee and lifted it to her lips to blow on it. “And she doesn’t treat her own son much better. He’s a darling little thing. Around six, I’d say. His name is Brandon.” She sighed and set the cup down. “I know the rules; don’t get involved, but I don’t think the nanny takes very good care of him. He was wandering around the halls before I came down. I had to take him back and he wasn’t pleased.” She grinned at the recollection, then sobered. “He said the nanny watches television all the time and that nobody ever plays with him. Poor kid. Makes you wonder why some of these people bother to bring their children if they don’t want to spend time with them.”

  “Spend time with who?” Chance pulled up a chair.

  Morgan shook her head. “You didn’t hear that. We were talking about a guest. Definitely a no-no.”

  “Okay.” He gave her a brisk nod then turned to Dale. “How was your morning?” He’d driven them to work earlier.

  “So far so good. Quite a few of the seasonal employees have worked here before, so that makes it easier.” She looked up as her soup was delivered. “How about you?”

  “Good. We got a new shipment, so I’ve been busy with that.”

  Morgan wondered if they knew how comfortable they looked, chatting about their work day. It was as if they’d known each other forever and once again she felt a pang of envy at their growing closeness.

  She ate quickly and stood up. “Don’t mind me. We’re short one person in the front office today, so I’m going to get back there.” The words sounded false, even to her. She gave them a fleeting smile. “See you guys later.”

  Dale frowned as she watched her head back to the lobby. For the first time in her adult life, she found herself torn between her feelings for a man and her friendship with Morgan.

  Chance seemed to sense her distress. “Sorry. I guess we kind of left her out of our conversation.” He lifted his coffee cup, and then put it down again. “The last thing I want to do is come between you and Morgan.”

  “Don’t worry. You couldn’t do that.” The words sounded harsh and she smiled at him to soften their effect. “You know what I mean.”

  “I think I do, yes. I had a buddy in high school and when he suddenly started to hang out with a girl I didn’t know what to do with myself for a while.”

  She pushed away her empty soup bowl. “What happened?”

  “He married her a few years later and I was his best man.” He smiled at the memory. “We’re still friends.”

  Dale gazed into her coffee cup. “Morgan and I have been friends for a long time.” She nodded to herself. “I’m sure it hasn’t always been easy, having me for a friend, but she’s nothing if not loyal.” She gave a deep sigh. “Did you have a normal upbringing?”

  Chance shrugged. “If you call growing up with two older sisters normal, then yes. They taught me just how strong a woman can be.”

  Her eyes flashed. “Are you being condescending?”

  They glared at each other for a moment and then his demeanor softened. “You know I’m not being condescending.” The dimple appeared in his cheek. “Did we just have our first fight?”

  She looked away. He was getting to know
her too well already. “No,” she said, finally making eye contact. “But I’d better get back to work.”

  He moved his chair so she could get out. She moved past him and he touched her lightly on the arm. “See you later. Maybe we can talk about going skiing.”

  “We can do that.” She’d thought about it several times since last night. “See you later.”

  * * *

  “Hi!”

  Morgan looked up from the desk. Adrian was with Klaus and they appeared to be studying a manual. She looked around, puzzled.

  “It’s me!” The small voice was coming from the other side of the desk. “Brandon.”

  She stretched over the desk and looked down. “Well hello there, Brandon.” The child appeared to be alone. “How did you get down here? I didn’t see you come out of the elevator.”

  “The stairs.” He looked pleased with himself. “My Mom’s out skiing and Jacinta is watching television.” He looked at her hopefully. “Do you have any toys?”

  “I’m afraid not.” She looked up to see Adrian crossing the lobby.

  Adrian dropped down until he was at eye level with the child. “Hello there. What’s your name?”

  “I’m Brandon. Do you have any toys?”

  Adrian looked at Morgan, then back to the child. “Sorry, I don’t.”

  The young boy sighed dramatically, and Morgan hid a smile. “My nanny forgot to bring my toys.”

  Morgan spoke up. “Young Mr. Glasser is staying in 326/328 with his family. And his nanny,” she added, raising her eyebrows slightly.

  “Glasser?” He stood up. “Is that Peter Glasser?” He leaned on the counter while Morgan checked.

  “Yes, but he hasn’t arrived yet.”

  Adrian looked down at the child. “The Glassers are regular customers, but I haven’t met this young man before.” He held out a hand “Well, Brandon. I’m sure your nanny is going to be looking for you. Shall I take you back to your room?”

  The boy hid his hand behind his back. “Don’t want to go back,” he said.