Page 89 of Tinley's Daddy
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I guess we’ll all find out together.”
“Well, this just got a whole lot more interesting.” Tyler playfully punched me in the chest and skipped up the stairs.
CHAPTER 27
TINLEY
Ifilled Rayna in on some of what happened yesterday at the FBI place. It was all kind of scary, and I wasn’t looking forward to more discussions with Agent Stanley, but if it helped someone, I had to keep talking about it. It was the conversation with my aunt I was dreading.
Josh walked out into the atrium. He put on a brave face, but he looked worried. I wasn’t sure why.
“Sweet T.” He reached a hand out and I took it. “Your aunt is on her way from the hotel.”
I walked back inside with him and sat next to him on the couch.
“I’m nervous,” I whispered.
Josh took my hands and warmed them between his.
“It’s understandable.” He kissed my hand.
“What if she asked me questions?” I wasn’t sure how to talk to my aunt without my mother here. We tolerated each other because of my mom, but one on one, it was new and scary.
“You share what you’re comfortable sharing.” Josh kissed my other hand.
My nerves calmed a little. He did such a good job taking care of me and making me feel safe. Rayna sat at the table, cradling her arm, while Kyler fed her. Minutes before, she spoke, flailing both arms as she told me about her spanking from last night. I didn’t get a chance to tell her my spanking story, but I kind of wanted to keep it to myself for now. Watching them filled me with joy. The warm home with smells of breakfast coming from the unknown. It was magical. Being with these people was magical and I didn’t want it to end.
The bell rang. We all jumped.
Josh stood up and looked down at me.
“Want me to get it?” Rayna stood up. Kyler set her right back down.
“No, I’ll get it.” I waved her off and stood. I smoothed down my sweater and looked down at my slippers. They made me smile. They weren’t too little, were they? I smiled up at Josh. He nodded. We both walked to the door and opened it.
Charlotte stood a few steps down, facing the street. She scanned it before facing back toward us.
“Oh, hello.” Her voice was cold and kind of haughty. She rushed forward and pulled me in for a hug. Thankfully, it was quick, and I didn’t have to push her away. “Tinley. Thank goodness you are okay. I’m so happy you came back to us.” She held me at arm’s length and her gaze traveled up and down my body. I fought the urge to cover up.
“Why don’t you come inside.” Josh stepped back. “It’s cold out there.”
She reached out her hand to Josh. He shook it.
“Come in.” I waved her inside. She stepped into the foyer and looked around. “What a beautiful home. Is this your home, Mr. Burroughs?”
“It’s our family home,” he answered. “Welcome.”
Charlotte walked into the main room and whistled but coughed to cover it up. “It’s simply lovely.”
Lovely. Charlotte didn’t use words like lovely.
“Can I take your coat?” Josh asked. She pulled it off and handed it to Josh.
“Oh, hello.” Charlotte addressed Kyler and Rayna.
“Charlotte.” I stepped next to her. “These are my friends. Kyler Grant and Rayna Smith.” The door to the basement opened. A man carrying two platters of food stepped in.
“And are you another friend?” Charlotte pressed her lips together.
