Sofia carefully balanced two lattes and two small water glasses on the tray in front of her as she wound through the rows of café tables and chairs.

“Here you go. Please let me know if I can get you anything else,” she said as she set down the drinks and smiled sweetly at the couple in front of her.

It was only her third week working as café manager at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, but she was quickly getting the hang of her new environment. The quick thinking and hustle and bustle of constantly addressing the patrons’ every desire were exactly what she needed to distract herself from the memories.

Those memories had been the hardest part. Less than a month ago, she had walked into her boss’s office and given her immediate resignation. She had tried to make it work, tried to push past the pain of her cancelled engagement with Kyle, but she hadn’t been able to.

She needed a change—a drastic one at that. Her boss had reluctantly accepted her resignation, and she had thrown her few personal items into a box and driven home. Within a few days, she was packed and had booked a flight to Calgary, where her new life awaited her at Lake Louise.

The sight of a man sliding into the nearest barstool stirred her from her thoughts. Looking up, she was greeted by the handsome face of a man who appeared to be around her age. His thick brown hair curled at the ends, highlighting a chiseled face and kind brown eyes.

“Good morning, sir. What can I get for you?” She pasted on her most professional voice, as though she hadn’t just been thrown back in time through her most painful memories.

“Just a coffee, please. Thank you.” His words were adorned with a British accent, adding to the appeal Sofia couldn’t deny. But it was his eyes that pulled her in, and she had to force herself to focus on the request.

“Coffee, of course.” She turned and made quick work of filling a steaming mug with the brown liquid before sliding it across the bar to him.

“Thank you very much… Sofia.” He had glanced down at her name badge and smiled back up at her before taking a sip. “I’m Evan Woods. My buddies and I just checked in for a few weeks.”

Sofia allowed herself a moment to return his conversation, convincing herself it was all part of the hospitality the Fairmont was known for. “Welcome. Have you stayed with us before?”

He chuckled. “Quite a few times, actually. I ski professionally, and that brings me up here most winters—sometimes just to practice, but often I have competitions nearby.”

“That’s an exciting line of work. I, myself, haven’t even seen the lake in winter. I just moved up here last month.” Sofia wasn’t sure why she had said that, but something about the man’s charm made her want to keep the conversation going past the surface level.

Evan smiled knowingly. “Well then, welcome to you. It’s beautiful in the winter. I hope you plan to stay long enough to enjoy it.” He took another sip of his coffee, curiosity about the woman in front of him taking hold, as she only smiled in response.

He had known she was new to the hotel before she had spoken. He would have noticed someone with hair like caramel-colored waves and bright green eyes that could never stay in one place for too long—like she might bolt at any minute.

Shamelessly, he wanted to keep her locked in their conversation for as long as he could. “This is my first time here in the summer. Have you been enjoying it?”

Sofia cringed inwardly at the question. She had enjoyed it in the sense that it was a beautiful place to look out the window and admire, but she had yet to step out of the boundaries of the hotel for more than a ride into town for groceries.

She was trying to come up with an answer when two men came to join Evan. They were of similar age—one quite a bit shorter with long blonde hair, and the other with short cropped brown hair and an electric smile.

“The room’s ready, Ev. We’d better head up. We’ve got a twelve o’clock reservation in town.”

Evan wished the room had taken a bit longer to prepare. Jason and Diggs always had the worst timing, but he never could get mad at them for it. He took the last gulp of his coffee and smiled at Sofia. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Sofia. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

That was a promise he was making not only to himself, but to her.

Sofia nodded and could only muster a, “Likewise. Have a great day.” Something about the man pulled at her—not only his tangible charisma, but the way he seemed to read her thoughts, to know which questions challenged her. Or maybe it was all in her head. Perhaps it was guilt at still hiding from life even after moving into a new one.

She wasn’t sure when she would see him again, but she intended to have an answer for him when she did.

Scene 2

Evan and his friends ventured down to the lobby restaurant for breakfast the next morning, and he found himself hoping Sofia would be there. Even though their conversation had been short, he had walked away wanting to know more about her and see her break out of the shell she was in.

The trio waited at the hostess stand, and Evan found the restaurant to be a bit busier than the previous morning. A woman who was not Sofia greeted them and laid menus on the table, informing them their waitress would be with them shortly.

Just as Jason was about to speak about the day’s plans, a warm voice greeted them and approached the side of the table.

“Good morning, gentlemen.”

Evan all but sighed in relief as he looked up into Sofia’s green eyes. “Sofia, it’s nice to see you again.”

“You as well. I trust your stay has been enjoyable so far?” Sofia smiled.

“Oh, it’s just now starting to get enjoyable,” Jason mused, and Evan shook his head at the obvious joke at his expense.

“These are my friends, Jason and Diggs.”

“Very nice to meet you, and welcome to the Fairmont this summer. What can I get you all for breakfast?” Sofia was taken off guard by the three men in front of her, but she focused on writing down their orders in her notepad.

Rushing away to get the drinks started, she tried to shake some sense into herself.

It had been years since she had flirted with anyone and quite a while since anyone had flirted with her back. Kyle had been the last, and she had been a bumbling freshman in college when they started dating seriously. Their relationship hadn’t been very affectionate or deep in the ways she had needed, and it almost felt like Evan had seen more of her in those moments yesterday than Kyle had in the entire last year they were together.

She shook her head as she prepared the two coffees and latte. She needed to get it together. One look from a handsome Brit should not be enough to send her completely spiraling.

Returning to the table and setting down the drinks, she promised their food would be ready soon and turned to leave when Evan stopped her.

“Sofia, do you have any suggestions on what we should do while we’re here? Three weeks is a long time, and we only have a few days already booked.”

Sofia froze. Her instinct was to say, I just moved here or I haven’t had much time to explore. But she was also a professional, and this was her job—and her boss would not be pleased if she had no suggestions for the guests.

“Oh, let’s see. If you like hiking, I hear the Fairview Lookout has a beautiful view of the hotel. Or the Plain of Six Glaciers hike. You could also do the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail—it ends at a cute little restaurant with great views.”

She knew she sounded like the Lake Louise and Banff travel guides she had read late at night in her staff quarters, but she continued.

“There are also horseback riding options on some of the trails and kayaking on the lake. And of course, Banff is beautiful this time of year.”

“Which do you suggest?” Evan pressed, though the interested smile on his face gave nothing away.

She considered lying, but she couldn’t. “Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ve kind of been focused on getting the lay of the land here and haven’t made much time to explore the area. But the lake is beautiful at sunset, so that would be my suggestion. Maybe an evening walk around the lake?”

Evan nodded, taking in her response. He appreciated her honesty—and the bravery it took to say it in front of three strangers. Why would a young woman in a new town not go exploring in her free time? He thought he saw something cold and sad in her eyes.

“That sounds great,” Evan said finally, and the guys agreed.

She stood straighter and rushed off to check on the food, as though she had accomplished some unspoken task. He enjoyed the few other interactions they had for the rest of the meal as she checked on them and refilled their coffees.

By the time he said goodbye to her, he had made up his mind. He would be the one to take her to see a sunset over the lake.

Scene 3

Sofia nervously fiddled with the side of the tray as she waited for the elevator to reach the top floor, where Evan’s room awaited her delivery. It had been a few days since she had spoken to Evan, though she had seen him here and there, rushing through the lobby on his way to excursions.

She reminded herself that she just worked here, and that Evan and his friends were brief guests in a long line of them. It made no sense to get attached or interested in more than a casual way, and there was no reason to be nervous about delivering him tea.

Her knock on the door was answered by a casually dressed Evan, wearing jeans and a fitted black T-shirt.

“Sofia, I was wondering when I’d see you again. Please, come in.”

Sofia had half a mind to just shove the tea into his arms and run off, but she knew better. She stepped into the room and placed the tray on the table inside the opulent suite.

“Your friends weren’t in need of any coffee or tea? I’d be happy to bring them some as well.”

“Oh no, they stepped out for lunch in town. I had a call with some sponsors and stayed in. We took your advice and booked a kayaking trip on the lake this afternoon, so we’re set for that at three o’clock.”

“Oh, excellent. That should be a great time. It’s beautiful weather for it.”

Evan didn’t miss the way she glanced nervously around the room. He desperately wanted to have a conversation with her—a real one—but he was afraid he would scare her off like a frightened animal.

“Sofia, would you sit down for a moment?” he asked, gesturing toward the desk chair.

Her eyes widened ever so slightly, and she hesitated. “I really should get back.”

“Please, just a moment.”

Evan sat in the large upholstered chair adjacent to her so she would feel more comfortable, and he was glad when it worked; she slowly inched into the seat.

“I apologize if this is a personal question, but when you were telling us about the activities, it sounded like a list you had memorized, not a memory of your favorite activities…”

Just as Sofia had feared, Evan could see right through her. And as much as she wanted to fight it and pretend he was wrong, there was something so refreshing about the idea of just being open and honest with someone.

She sighed and nodded. “You’re right. I studied up on some of the best activities for tourists. You weren’t the first people to ask, and I’m sure you won’t be the last.”

“So why memorize it instead of just going out and doing the activities yourself?”

“I don’t really know. Part of it is the truth—I’ve only been here three weeks, and I’ve been working for quite a bit of it. But I don’t know… there’s a part of me that doesn’t want to go out and do things alone, and maybe I find it easier just to hide in my room.”

She surprised herself with her words, a level of honesty she hadn’t even admitted to herself. It had taken this man, an almost complete stranger, to draw it out of her—and that scared her.

“You don’t like doing things alone?” Evan asked, concern softening his voice. He had been afraid of this—that she was holding herself back due to some trauma. The trauma wasn’t his business, but there were things he could do to help.

How could she tell this man that, up until three months ago, she had never been alone? She wasn’t ready to tell him that; she was hardly ready to admit it to herself.

“Not really. I feel like people are staring at me, wondering why I’m by myself. I suppose I could go on a walk or a hike, but trying new restaurants or doing a tour… that feels like something you do with a partner or a friend.”

Evan nodded, and they sat in silence for a few moments, both lost in thought over the honesty she had just offered.

“Would you come with me tonight? I know the guy who runs the gondola rides across the lake, and if you like sunsets, I don’t think you’ll want to miss it.”

Sofia’s face flushed at the invitation. “Oh, I don’t…”

She had a long list of excuses, the biggest of which being that it was hotel policy not to fraternize with guests. Despite the policy and the doubt in her heart, she couldn’t get her excuses to form on her tongue.

Maybe it was the hopeful look in his eyes, or the tiny kernel of light inside her heart that begged to be let out and see the sunset.

“Actually, yes. I’d love that. Thank you.”

Evan’s heart leapt with excitement at her response, and he told her where to meet him later that evening as he escorted her to the door.

“See you later,” Sofia said as she left. Her nerves were alive again, just as they had been on her elevator ride up. This time, as she descended back to the lobby, her nervousness was for a completely different reason—one she found herself much more excited about.

Scene 4

Evan could sense Sofia’s nerves as they stood waiting for the shuttle to take them to the start of the gondola.

“I thought it was only open until four or five o’clock in the summer?” Sofia questioned, and Evan got the sense she might be hoping for a reason to run off.

“It is, but my buddy runs the place, and he owes me a favor after I got him tickets to my last ski competition. Turns out they were needing to do some test runs tonight anyway, and it works better if there are people in the gondolas.”

Sofia narrowed her eyes at him in disbelief, and he chuckled.

“Okay, so that last part might not be true, but it worked out well because now we get to see the sunset from the gondolas.”

She laughed in response and boarded the shuttle, which was quiet this time of night. They rode in companionable silence until just past eight o’clock when they reached the gondola entrance.

Evan shook hands with his friend, who greeted Sofia kindly and escorted them to the opening of the small cabin. He explained the safety precautions and shut them in, promising a leisurely thirty-minute round trip ride.

Sofia had taken a seat on the bench opposite Evan, but as the car started moving, he slid over to sit next to her.

“Better views,” he winked.

Her body warmed from where it was pressed up against his, and she was suddenly and sharply aware of him.

She let out a small gasp as the car lurched momentarily, and Evan smiled. “I didn’t think to ask if you were afraid of heights. I just assume if you live in the mountains, you don’t mind them.”

“No, I’m not afraid of them, but I don’t think I’ve ever been on a gondola.”

“Really?” Evan was shocked. He had the sense she was sheltered in some ways, but there were some joys in life it was a shame to miss out on.

Evan let himself sit back and enjoy watching her watch everything around her. There was a look of awe on her face as the sun crested the horizon and painted everything in a warm orange glow. She pointed down with excitement in her voice as she spotted a group of deer grazing nearby as they gained elevation.

He thought she was more beautiful than ever as she took in the experience. There was something so raw and innocent in the way she viewed life from up this high. She had been so guarded in the café and in his hotel room earlier, and he wished he could see her like this always.

The gondola grew darker as they reached the summit and the sun fully sank below the trees. Sofia laughed as the car looped around at the end of the track and started descending back down toward the lake.

“This is amazing! I can’t believe I’ve never done this before,” she exclaimed.

Sofia was awestruck, just as excited on the way down as on the way up. Beauty surrounded her, and she wished she had done this sooner. But when she looked to her right and saw Evan smiling back at her, she changed her mind. If she had gone any earlier, she wouldn’t have had the chance to do it with him.

“Evan, thank you for bringing me here. Really, I can’t thank you enough.”

“You’re welcome. It’s worth it to see you enjoying yourself.”

Evan couldn’t stop his hand from reaching up and brushing a loose lock of hair behind her ear. The smile on her face faltered ever so slightly, then returned—softer this time, carrying a glow he had never seen before.

Sofia found herself wanting him to touch her again. His hands were worn and sure, a confidence she could only hope to have. But sitting in this small space with him, she thought his confidence might be contagious. For the first time in a long time, she felt steady—full, even.

“Now that you’ve done the gondola, what do you want to do next in Lake Louise?” Evan asked, finding that he wanted to know every desire rolling around in her mind.

“Oh gosh, I don’t know. There’s so much to do. I’m not much of an adrenaline junkie, so I’d probably start with a hike or a canoe trip across the lake.”

“How do you know you’re not much of an adrenaline junkie?”

She narrowed her eyes and considered it. He didn’t know this, but Kyle hadn’t been one for excitement either. He liked to travel, and that was about it—no roller coasters or skydiving—and she had gone along with it as she always did.

She chuckled. “I suppose I could be.”

As if something in her had been called awake, she felt drawn to him, her eyes flicking briefly to his lips. Her heartbeat quickened, and she leaned in slightly.

Evan felt it too—the magnetic pull between them—and he could hardly stop himself from giving in. The space between their lips grew smaller and smaller, his breath catching as he was sure they were about to kiss....

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