Lorian squinted slightly as he observed Tegan conversing with the tall, well-dressed man beneath the Maple tree. She was relaxed, which was a stark contrast to the tension she often displayed with him.

The man’s refined aura and his lingering gaze on Tegan spoke volumes. There was an unmistakable trace of admiration and affection in his eyes.

In the depths of winter, a man willing to stand outside with a woman could only be after either her affection or something more, Lorian mused. He had li