Page 17 of Tinley's Daddy
“I’ll check in later.” I hung up on them and turned when the bathroom door opened. Tinley had her hair pulled back and braided. She gave up on the ill-fitting clothes for the robe.
“I ordered you some clothes.” I checked my phone, and my assistant was contacting our contact at a local place to get what Tinley needed. “It should be here after breakfast.”
I stood up, and she sat on the couch and drew her legs up under her. The robe engulfed her, too. We both jumped at the knock on the door. I grabbed the tray of breakfast and set it on the table in front of her.
“I’m going to jump in the shower.” I grabbed some jeans and a polo shirt from the closet “Start eating.”
She watched me as I crossed the room.
“Don’t worry, Tinley.” I smiled. “Remember my promise.”
She nodded and smiled back.
I stepped into the bathroom feeling like the luckiest man in the world to experience Tinley’s smile.
When I returned,Tinley had finished off a pancake and half an omelet. She stopped mid-chew.
“I’m sorry, did you want this?” She held the plate out to me. I resisted the urge to tell her not to speak with her mouth full. She had laid a napkin down across her chest and lap, but she ate with uninhibited joy. It was fun to watch.
“No. I’m good.” I held my hand out. I poured a cup of coffee and dug into the fruit plate, which she’d yet to touch.
“I can share.” She held the omelet plate out to me again.
I grabbed a plate and cut half and slid it onto my plate.
“Thank you for sharing.”
She grinned and set the plate down. She reached for her glass of apple juice. She gripped it with both hands and took a big gulp.
“How’s your tummy feeling?” I sipped my coffee.
“I think it’s good.” She rubbed it. It was the cutest gesture. “I think it will stay down this time.”
I watched her finish the rest of the omelet and start on another pancake. She sighed and sat back. She picked up the juice again and took smaller sips.
“Did you have enough?” I asked.
She nodded and set her drink down. I gathered the plates back on the tray and set them outside. She wiped her hands on the napkin and then rubbed her hands together.
“I’m all sticky.” She sighed.
I walked into the bathroom and got a wet towel. Without thinking, I reached for her hands and wiped them clean. I swiped the towel across her mouth.
“There.” I placed her hands on her lap. “All clean.”
She stood stock-still and stared up at me. I stepped away from her.
“I’m sorry.” I sat back on the bed. I’d touched her without permission. She didn’t need that from me right now. Jesus, Josh. What were you thinking? I rubbed my chest, surprised the washcloth was in my hand. She sat back on the couch, hugging herself. She didn’t appear upset or agitated. She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes.
“Tinley, I… ” My words faded away. I wasn’t sure what to say.
“Are you a Daddy Dom?”
CHAPTER 6
TINLEY
My question hung in the air as he flopped on the bed with his mouth hung wide open.
