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Fresh snow lay on the ground as you entered the downtown city square. Christmas lights hung from lampposts and trees, coloring the area in warm hues of red, white, and green. Around you, many people milled about. Children giggled and shrieked as they threw snowballs at each other. Various booths were set up, filled with businesses selling homemade crafts and goods for the holidays. Occasionally, you peeked at some people’s items, but ultimately didn’t buy anything. This Christmas you didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends.
Needing a fresh start, you decided to move to a new town. Your job allowed you to work remotely, so it was an easy decision to make. Things were nice, but you found yourself quite lonely. Quickly, you had discovered the major demographic for the area was married couples with children and retirees. There weren’t many people here close to your age and with your lack of relationship status. The old ladies at the local library’s book club were nice enough, but not in the loop with current times. Many of them were also trying to set you up with their single grandchildren. Sweet, but not what you were looking for.
Tonight you were hoping to meet some new faces. Perhaps find someone that was close to your age that didn’t have toddlers running around. One event that the city was hosting seemed the most appealing: a historical walk around the area. A local city member was set to guide the tour. You didn’t know all too much about the place that you moved to, so it sounded like a great way to learn about the city’s history.
Checking the time, you realized you only had five minutes before the tour began. Thankfully, the starting destination wasn’t too far away. You found yourself in front of the city hall with two minutes to spare. A man was waiting by a lamppost, looking down at his watch and tapping his foot.
“Are you here for the historical walk too?” You asked, walking over.
He perked up, a grin on his face when you approached. “Actually, I’m leading the tour.”
That surprised you. The man couldn’t be that much older than you, and he was one of the city’s renowned historical experts? There was also the fact that he had a clear accent that was unusual for the area.
“Really?” You asked.
“Were you expecting an old man?” He teased.
“Mmmm, more like a crotchety old lady with too much free time.” You ribbed back.
“Lucky for you, I am neither of those things.” He offered a hand to you. “I’m Dorian.”
You took his hand and shook, giving him your name. His hand was warm and soft, and shot a spark through you. You shivered at the feeling, locking your eyes with Dorian. His widened slightly, as red tinted his cheeks. Neither of you noticed you were still holding hands.
You pulled away quickly, your face heating up. “Oh! Um, sorry!” You cringed at yourself.
“Oh! Don’t worry about it.” He chuckled awkwardly. “It’s nice to meet you.” He nodded politely.
“It’s nice to meet you too.” You nodded back.
For the next few minutes, you shuffled awkwardly in place. Unsure if you should try to continue the conversation, you kept opening your mouth to speak, but couldn’t find a good way to start.
“So, are you new to town?” Dorian spoke up first. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”
“Yeah I am. Just moved here a couple months ago.”
“Have you enjoyed it so far?”
“Mmm, yes and no.” You nodded your head side to side.
“A bit contradictory, yeah?”
“I suppose.”
“What don’t you like about it?” Dorian asked. He was visibly interested in what you had to say, focusing his attention on you.
“I wouldn’t say there’s anything wrong with the town itself. I just don’t know many people here. All my friends and family live a few states away. It’s why I’m here tonight, kinda wanna meet new people.” You didn’t know why you admitted all of that, but felt it was something you should share.
He nodded at your words. “What do you like?”
“It’s quaint. Quiet. A bit refreshing, honestly. And for a small town, there’s still a fair amount to do here.”
“And what would those activities be?” He asked.
His questions seemed a bit more prying than someone that was trying to hold small talk.
“Why are you so interested?” You raised a curious brow.
Dorian seemed taken aback by your question. An embarrassed blush reddened his face.
“Apologies if I was being too intrusive. I like to know what people think. I’m on the city council: ward 3.”
“Oh!” Ah, that made sense. “You probably should’ve led with that.” You let out an airy laugh.
“Probably.” He chuckled with you.
Checking his watch, he realized that he should’ve started the tour five minutes ago. Looking around, he noted that you were the only person that had arrived. Sighing, he dejectedly slumped his shoulders. It shouldn’t be surprising, he supposed, but it was disappointing nonetheless.
“Well, it looks like it’s just us.” Dorian said, making a show of looking up and down the empty street.
“Sounds good.”
“You sure you still want to go on the tour?” He asked, not wishing to bother you with the lackluster event.
“I do! It sounded really neat.”
“I thought you wanted to meet people? There’s no one else here.”
“I guess, but you’re here.” You smiled sincerely at him, making his heart stutter.
“Right. Well, let’s begin then?”
“Lead the way, Councilman Dorian.” You motioned for him to go on.
“The first stop actually is City Hall.” He gestured to the building in front of you. “It was built in 1933 and first served as a courthouse. In the 1960s a new courthouse was built, and this building became the official city hall.”
You nodded along thoughtfully, looking over the structure. They had decorated for the holidays. Soft white string lights lined the top of the building and curled down large columns. The front doors were adorned with wreaths with bright red bows.
“It was built by Wallace Waldorf the third. His great grandson Wallace Waldorf the sixth, currently runs the family’s construction company.”
“WALLace WALdorf? That seems a bit on the nose for construction workers.” You snickered.
“I suppose it is.” Dorian chuckled, appreciating the way your face scrunched up in a smile.
“Well, the place sounds pretty neat.” You looked at Dorian expectantly.
“It is. Shall we continue?” He motioned to the right.
“Lead the way.”
The next building was a few blocks down the street. As you walked, you chatted with Dorian about the going-ons in the city. “So, what do you do on the city council?”
“Mostly approving liquor licenses.” He chuckled. “Otherwise voting on infrastructure changes, approving plans for town events, budgeting. Fun stuff.”
“Sure sounds like it.” Your tone was sarcastic.
“It is for me. I quite enjoy working for the city. I get to hear what the people wish to happen, and I have the opportunity to make it happen.” He paused, then added a caveat. “Within reason, of course.”
“Have you had any unreasonable requests?” Now you were very curious. It was interesting to see someone invested in something so seemingly mundane.
Dorian grimaced, his mind flooded with the many, many, public comments that had him wanting to rip his hair out. “Too many to count. One time, a man told us to build a moat around City Hall.” Dorian shook his head. “He even brought schematics and created a budget for the project.”
“No way!” You looked at him with a face of disbelief. “Why didn’t you take up his request? He clearly had everything planned out.”
Dorian chuckled. “I don’t think the townsfolk would appreciate a six-million dollar moat coming out of their property taxes.”
“I mean, I think it’s a responsible use.” You teased, nudging the man.
He stopped in front of a new building. Instinctually, he had reached for your shoulder to stop you beside him. His touch shot sparks through you once more. Realizing what he had done, he backed off.
“S-sorry!” Gosh, what was up with him tonight? Dorian admonished himself internally.
“You’re good! I don’t mind. I can be a bit of a wanderer.” You blushed again.
Dorian decided to move past it, gesturing to the mansion you were standing in front of. “This is the Memoria Manor. It was built in the late 1800s, owned by the Memoria family. They manufactured film. Around the mid 2000s the entire business was shuttered. The only surviving Memoria turned the mansion into a museum. It has information about the film business and Memoria family history. Maybe a bit dull to some, but I found the exhibits to be fascinating. I recommend checking it out if you haven’t.” He looked at you, waiting for any questions.
The mansion was also adorned with holiday decor. Lights lined the edge of the roof. The front porch held various outdoor pieces like a snowman and reindeer. It was a very nice building, and kept in a very good condition considering how old it was.
“It sounds interesting.”
“I like to think so. I actually know Lady Memoria, she gave me a personal tour. I suppose that makes me a bit biased toward the building…” He trailed.
“Maybe, but it’s nice to hear you’ve got more of a personal connection.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I guess, I think it’s important to find meaning in spaces you appreciate. I’m currently trying to find something of my own.”
“Have you had any luck?” Dorian was now extremely intrigued.
He had given plenty of these historic tours before, but never had anyone as actively interested in him. The way you thought was similar; caring about the personal significance places held. It was a breath of fresh air considering the crowd he dealt with on a day to day basis. Being able to talk about the city he so cherished and having you understand where he was coming from, it was quite the gift.
“No luck just yet. But, I’m not really supposed to actively try and find that space. It’s supposed to come naturally. At least I think so.” You shrugged, looking at the mansion fondly. “We headin’ to the next place?”
“Oh, yes. Of course.” He began walking you to the next stop.
Faint Christmas music from the city square jingled through the cool night air. It created an almost magical atmosphere as snow lightly fell around you. The street lamps cast an almost angelic glow on Dorian as you passed them. You couldn’t help but look at the man, making your heart jump.
You had to admit, Dorian was very attractive. Honestly, you were surprised that more people didn’t join the tour just to see him. It made you wonder if he was single… No, you shouldn’t be thinking that way. Your main goal was to make friends. However, that aching loneliness didn’t just involve your lack of family or friends. Romantic relationships were something that you had neglected in the last few years. Feeling as if you had no time, you never really “put yourself out there,” so to speak. Now, that ache was creeping in.
“Have you ever heard of Sigurd Olson?” He broke the comfortable silence that had fallen between you. As you continued the walk, Dorian thought on your words. Perhaps he could assist you, help you find a special place.
“Uh, no. Sorry.”
“No need to apologize. I didn’t expect you to.” Dorian smiled softly at you. “Sigurd Olson was an educator and conservationist. He wrote a lot of books on man’s relationship with nature.”
“What does this have to do with a tour of historical buildings?” You quirked a questioning brow.
“Patience.” Dorian said lightheartedly. “Something he found of great importance is finding a space to be able to contemplate. He called it a ‘listening point.’ His was up in northern Minnesota.” He eyed you, something glimmering in those deep brown irises. “I think that’s what you’re looking for.”
“Have you found your ‘listening point’?”
“I have.” You and Dorian had reached a trailhead, something you didn’t recall seeing on the information about the tour. Noticing your hesitation, he gave you a reassuring smile. “Mind if we take a bit of a detour. I want to show you something.” He offered his hand to you.
Nodding, you took the invitation. Taking your hand, he pulled you onto the trail with him. Once again, you felt a jolt of electricity as you touched. Perhaps you should be wary of a strange man dragging you into the woods at night, but this didn’t feel malicious. Instead, it felt quite freeing. As if breaking from the original path of the tour was a little rebellious.
“We’re almost there.” Dorian said as you were about five minutes in on the trail.
He hadn’t let go of your hand, making sure you were following him. You giggled with amusement as you watched your harder breaths puff into clouds in the chilly air. Dorian couldn’t stop grinning, feeling an almost childlike whimsy after you accepted his offer. He had never done this with another person before. You were, dare he say it, special. Different than others. Not in an odd way, but as a breath of fresh air. He felt lighter, excited. Something he couldn’t have said he was just an hour ago. How you managed to turn his stoic demeanor to giddy, he didn’t know. He wasn’t going to complain though.
“We’re here.” You reached the end of the trail.
In front of you lay an ice covered pond. Moonlight reflected off of its surface, giving it an ethereal glow. At this distance, you could no longer hear the Christmas music. There was almost no sound at all. Just the wind swaying the branches and the sound of your feet as you crunched through the snow.
“This is my ‘listening point’.” Dorian said.
He was still holding your hand, actually gripping it slightly tighter. Making sure you were beside him to see this. It was odd, he shouldn’t be so comfortable with a stranger. Yet, here you were, witnessing an extremely intimate part of him.
Looking down at you, he held back a gasp. In the moonlight, you looked mesmerizing. When you were first introduced, he thought you were cute. Right now, you were utterly alluring. His thumb trailed over the skin of your hand softly, making you shiver.
You didn’t speak at first. Only staring at the space in awe. It was beautiful, a scene that one could only find in a snow globe. Looking around, it didn’t appear to be an area many frequented. It’s likely why it was a good spot for this ‘listening point.’ The isolation could easily allow someone the space they needed for personal contemplation.
“I understand why you like it here.” You didn’t elaborate, the awe in your eyes a clear indication of how you felt for the space. It almost made you jealous.
“Want to sit down?” Dorian pointed to a small park pavilion with a wooden table underneath.
Together, you walked hand-in-hand. Neither of you had really noticed that you were still making contact. As if this was just a natural action between the two of you. Internally, it felt right. Something about this man felt right, and you wanted to know more. In fact, part of you felt desperate to know more. Maybe it was your lack of connection with anyone in the area, or perhaps it was something else entirely. Regardless, you wanted it. Wanted him.
That thought shot you out of your own head. Turning to the side, you looked at Dorian. He was looking at you, never having taken his eyes off of your face. When you locked eyes, that familiar spark jolted through you again.
“Can I ask you something?” You needed to know more.
“Of course.”
“Why show me this?”
Dorian didn’t really know how to respond. Why did he? This wasn’t part of the tour, but he felt an urge to do so. Your mere interest in him had his heart swelling. This unique encounter with a new face had him excited.
“I don’t know how to explain it. But I needed to.”
“Needed to?” You leaned toward him.
“You were talking about finding a space here, and I wanted to show you that you could find one anywhere. Especially somewhere you least expect it.” He shrugged nonchalantly, but very much cared about your opinion on the matter.
Your heart swelled at his words. He wanted to help you with such an unimportant task. You didn’t even have to ask, and he wanted to aid you with your predicament.
“How’d you find this place?”
“I stumbled upon it on a spring hike. The sun was beginning to set, and the golden hour reflected off of the pond unlike anything I’d ever seen.” His eyes glimmered as he recalled the memory.
You could picture it yourself. Imagining the sun to the west, light dancing on the rippling water. No wonder he chose this place. In all seasons it must be absolutely beautiful.
“Wow.” You left it at that.
“Wow indeed.”
It was at this moment, you noticed you were still holding hands. Looking down at where you were connected, your cheeks flared. You didn’t take away your hand though, instead giving his a light squeeze. He looked at where your hands met as well, and also remained in place. You felt right to him too.
“So, would you want to help me find my own spot?” You asked him softly.
“Of course.” His own voice had grown softer, his eyes glimmering with affection.
Something was drawing the two of you together. Dorian’s eyes flitted to your lips, then back to your eyes. You caught the action, wetting your lips nervously. Did he—
“Look.” Dorian pointed above you.
A sprig of mistletoe was tied to the beam right over the table. The sight had your heart leaping in your chest. Had that always been there? There was no way Dorian put it there while you were here. And you doubted he intentionally hung it earlier. Maybe the origins of the mistletoe didn’t matter. Not when Dorian was leaning towards you, making your heart rate pick up. A warm hand cupped your cheek, thumb trailing over your skin softly.
“Mind if we honor the tradition?” He asked, a slightly worried lilt to his voice.
You nodded, leaning in toward him. Softly, he pressed his lips to yours. You melted into the kiss, your hands wrapping around his neck. It had your body buzzing with energy. The sudden intimate shift the night had taken was worth the awkward exchanges when it ended like this. Both of you expected it to be brief, but now that you were here, you didn’t want to stop. Your lips continued to meld together. Daringly, your tongue teased at Dorian’s bottom lip. His mouth slightly parted, allowing you entry. You took it, slipping your tongue against his and relishing in the groan you elicited from the man.
He knew you were now dangerous. Not because you would hurt him, but because he knew you were the kind of person he would grant the ability to hurt him. It was a second sense, this knowing how easily it would be to fall for you. All it took was a couple of hours, and he was putty in your hands. He needed more of you, and god, he hoped you would grant him the honor.
Pulling back, you both caught your breath. Unconsciously, you brought your fingers to your lips. A buzz still hummed along your skin, making you shiver. Looking up at Dorian, your eyes connected. It was unspoken, but you knew, this was just the beginning.