Cinderella Story. Elizabeth August

worked with his father as a mechanic at a local garage. A drunk driver caused the accident that killed him.”

      Tom’s image came strongly into her mind. Too tired to keep her emotions under control, tears welled in her eyes. “I thought he’d always be here. I let myself rely on him too much.”

      She’s still in love with him, Alex noted. That explained why she’d fled when he’d started to kiss her. And another very good reason not to get involved with her, he added. Only a fool would compete with a ghost. “What kind of music do you like?”

      She pushed Tom from her mind and ordered herself to concentrate on the business at hand. “All kinds. Country, mostly.”

      “Movies?”

      “I haven’t seen any in years. I don’t know.” Her nerves wearing thin, she frowned at him. “Do you really think your grandfather is going to grill you so closely about me?”

      Alex had to admit he’d only continued to question her out of curiosity. He already knew enough to satisfy his grandfather. And curiosity did kill the cat. “You’re right. I know all I need to know.”

      Her tiredness suddenly lessened as she realized that it was her turn to ask questions. “What about you? I’ll need to know something.”

      “My father died before I was born. My mother preferred the jet-setting life to motherhood. As soon as I was born, she left me in my grandfather’s care and took off to lead her own life. She married several times. I lost track. About five years ago she drowned in the Mediterranean. I didn’t know her. I was raised by my grandfather and Matilda Hastings. Matilda was hired as my nanny and has remained as my grandfather’s housekeeper.”

      Nina found herself picturing him as a lonely child. “I’m sorry about your parents.”

      Alex shrugged. “My grandfather gave me all the attention any child could want. And Matilda was as protective as a mother hen. I figure I didn’t miss much.” But even as he made this declaration, a deep-rooted anger stirred within, and he scowled. He didn’t normally allow his mother’s desertion to awaken emotion. Long ago, he’d vowed to remain as indifferent to her as she had been to him. He glanced at his watch. “I think we both need to get some rest,” he said, rising. “I’ll come by and pick you up in time for your appointment tomorrow.”

      “I need to drop the children off at their grandparents’ house. I’ll meet you at the doctor’s office,” she countered, then gave him directions.

      He nodded and, bidding her good night, left.

      As the door closed behind him, Nina frowned thoughtfully. If Alex Bennett had been truthful, and she had no reason to doubt him, he’d been loved and well cared for. But she’d seen the flash of anger in his eyes and knew his mother’s desertion had bothered him. “At least I know one subject to avoid,” she muttered, and headed into the bathroom to take a long, hot shower.

      * * *

      Alex’s knuckles whitened around the receiver of the phone as he fought to keep his temper in check. Soon after arriving back at his mountain retreat, he’d called his grandfather’s house to tell Matilda to expect him, Nina and Tommy. He’d also told her about the boy’s need for surgery. He would decide after he saw what condition his grandfather was in if it was necessary to tell the old man about the seriousness of the boy’s condition. “No need in causing him any grief in his last days,” he’d said.