The door is ajar, and no light or sound can be heard as he steps up to it. He slowly pushes it open and stares at them, cuddled together on the bed. Tinley is tucked against her shoulder, and Aiylin is cradling her protectively. A smile of appreciation spreads as he looks at them.
How he wishes he could have given Tinley a mother who would love and cherish her. Instead, he chose a woman who ran away, leaving her three-month-old behind. Not even after she was so sick from the disease of addiction would she consider coming home to him.
For years he wondered what was wrong with him that she would choose opium over him. Tinley healed his heart, and now he’s discovered that she has a hole in hers. How will he heal it?
Sebastian takes a step towards the bed and glances down at Aiylin. His eyes are drawn to her pink lips as he thinks about her beautiful smile. She is lovely to look at but just as interesting to spar with. Her quick wit intrigues him, and she clearly doesn’t need his money. He plans on getting to know her over the next few days. The dig out will take time, and he has some making up to do for his behavior.
Satisfied that Tinley is safe, he strides from the room, unaware of the aqua eyes that watch him. Her heart is pounding hard in her chest. Aiylin eases out of bed, being careful to let Tinley sleep.
Sebastian is trouble. She’s attracted to him in ways that she’s never experienced. How many men have caused her heart to pound just by looking at her? None. Smart, wickedly handsome and a kind, funny, gentleman.
Walking to the wardrobe, she opens it and counts her dresses. Four. She chooses a day dress, warm velvet in a rich chocolate brown. After braiding her hair, she makes sure to twist it up.
Glancing out the window, she stares outside and gasps.
“Is it still snowing?” Tinley yawns.
“Yes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much snow.”
“Does that mean you’re staying?” Tinley asks and sits up with wide eyed excitement.
“It does.”
“I’m glad.” She squeals excitedly and jumps from the bed. “Aiylin, can you help me get dressed?”
“Of course, show me to your room.”
She has to walk swiftly to keep up with Tinley. The house is large with multiple bedrooms, but Aiylin is surprised when she takes her to the third level of stairs. “My room is upstairs.”
Skipping ahead, Aiylin laughs at the child’s energy. “Wait up,” Tinley disappears around a corner, and Aiylin rushes to keep up with her and runs straight into a large, male chest.
“Oh!” Aiylin is laughing when she glances up into Sebastian’s handsome face.
“I’m sorry,” they both start to say only to talk over each other.
“You first, Miss Miller,” he says, and she realizes he is still gripping her by her upper arms. When he starts to rub, she steps away from his touch.
“I was trying to keep up with Tinley,” her eyes drop to his mouth.
“Good luck, she’s never still,” he laughs. “Of course, it could just be that someone my age has problems keeping up with her.”
Aiylin laughs and reluctantly steps away from the heat of his body.
“He does have a sense of humor,” she calls back.
“We have a lot to learn about each other,” he says. “I’ll see you in the dining room.”
Aiylin rubs her arms and tells herself to just keep her distance from him. How hard can it be?
“In here, Miss Aiylin!” Tinley calls.
“Coming.”
Sebastian watches her walk away and smiles. He heads off to bring down the Christmas boxes. Stanley will help, and he finds that for the first time in days that he hasn’t thought of work or contracts. The next few days will be about spending time with his family and the new guest.
Chapter 12
Aiylin listens to Tinley talk and describes every aspect of her room. “This is my favorite spot,” she climbs up in the bay window and wipes the panes of glass so she can see out.
“It’s enchanting. What do you like to do here?”
“Dream, imagine things, draw,” Tinley says.
“I can see why. This would be the perfect spot to do that.”
Tinley watches her and smiles. “What would you do here?” she asks.
“That’s easy, I’d play music.”
“Can you teach me a little bit?”
Aiylin smiles, “I could try. Guitar or piano?”
“I love the piano,” Tinley says.
“I’d love to teach you a song,” Aiylin says.
Tinley jumps down and runs to her wardrobe to grab a dress. They laugh and chat. Mostly, Aiylin just listens, remembering her childhood with Mena. It makes her smile fade a little when she thinks about how things are going to change at home. Mena will be moving out with Patrick, as she should, and the house will be different.
“Are you sad, Miss Aiylin?” Tinley asks.
“No, sweet. Just thinking of home and missing my family, but I’m very grateful to be here with you. How shall we do your hair?”
After she’s finished braiding Tinley’s hair, she guides her down the hall past a door and points, “That’s Daddy’s room.”
“Our rooms are the only two on the third floor. We both have large bay windows. It’s perfect for seeing the lantern.”
“Lantern?”
“Yep, its magic, you know.”
Aiylin laughs and glances at Tinley. “Is it?”
“I wished for you, and you came,” she smiles and claps her hands. “I’m so hungry, Miss Aiylin.” Aiylin watches Tinley run from the room with a
