Soul Dreams by Desiree Holt Page B

“But there’s not a whole lot to do around the house, and I’m used to cooking. Gives me pleasure, anyway.”
    “But what does he do all day?”
    “Reads those books you bring him and plays with his computer. By this time, he should be an expert on Western history.”
    Nina chewed her bottom lip nervously, trying to work up the courage to ask some of the questions plaguing her. “Can you tell me why Bl—I mean, Mr. Massie and you live alone there? Doesn’t he have any family? Don’t you? Don’t you go crazy with no one but the two of you rattling around there?” She shook her head. “Never mind. It’s really none of my business.”
    Grange took a swallow of his coffee. “First of all, you’d better call him Blake. After all these book deliveries, I think the two of you have gotten past the Mister stage. Secondly, I really don’t know how to answer you. Blake’s pretty adamant about keeping his business to himself.”
    “Oh.” She fiddled with her mug. “I wouldn’t want you to break any confidences.”
    “It’s not that.” He stared at his plate, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Besides, maybe it’s time he stopped hiding from the world. Lord knows he’s about to drive me crazy.”
    “You must have known him a long time.”
    Grange nodded. “Worked for his daddy on their ranch back in Texas and stayed on when the boys and their sister took over the reins. It’s the only real home I’ve ever had.”
    Nina’s eyebrows lifted. “He owns a ranch? He has family?”
    “A brother, Holt, and a sister, Jennie.”
    She took a bite of cake to give herself time to process the information. “Then why doesn’t he live at the ranch with them? Doesn’t he like it there?”
    “Oh, he likes it fine. Except….”
    “Doesn’t he get along with his sister and brother?”
    Grange snorted. “Let’s say not as good these days as he used to.”
    Nina knew she was pushing when she shouldn’t, but her curiosity was running full tilt. “Again, none of my business, but did they have a falling out? I think family is so important.” She missed her own with a constant pain.
    “You got that right.” He held up his mug. “Could I trouble you for a little more of your fine brew? You sure know how to make it.”
    “Absolutely.” She refilled his mug and sat back down, waiting.
    He took a swallow, his forehead creased. “There was an…incident two years ago. It broke up the family. Blake’s never been home since then.”
    “Ohmigod!” Nina stared at him. “Did they have a big fight? How awful for him.”
    Grange shook his head. “No. At least not the way you think. Holt and Jennie would love nothing better than for him to come back. It’s his choice.” He swallowed more coffee. “He don’t like me to give out details, so I won’t. But I’ll tell you, Miss Foster—”
    “Nina, please.”
    He nodded. “Nina. Okay. He needs to find a way to get past all this. I know you don’t do more than pick out books for him, but he seems to have taken some kind of shine to you. At least for him it is. Maybe when the two of you are talking about what books he wants, you can ask him about himself. Get him to talk.”
    Actually, we’ve been IMing every night for almost three weeks. We’ve talked about nearly every topic. Except the really personal ones, of course . But lately they’d even been edging in that direction.
    “Oh, Grange, I don’t know. We’ve never even met.”
    “And aren’t likely to if he don’t get the burr out of his ass,” the man spat out then set his mug down. “Sorry. I spoke out of turn. Forget it.”
    “No, no. Please. I’m not sure I can do what you want, but maybe. Did you know he and I send Instant Messages back and forth to each other? I mean besides the book orders?”
    “No.” Grange’s eyebrows flew up. “Damn! That’s good. Well, it gives you a leg up on everyone else.”
    “I’ll see what I can do, but I promise nothing.” She rose and cleared their