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draw her close to him.
    Whoa, back off. Of all the inappropriate things he could be feeling right now, that was probably the worst.
    â€œYou wanted to talk.”
    â€œYes.” She nailed him with those deep blue eyes. “I hoped that you might be ready to sign the papers now.”
    He should have seen it coming. She still wanted what she’d wanted all along, and the inconclusive blood test results had just given her another bit of leverage. But it wasn’t going to work.
    â€œI know you don’t believe this, but I never went out with Tina Mallory. I did not father her child.” He took a breath, hoping he sounded calm.
    She raised her chin stubbornly. “Then how do you explain Tina’s words?”
    â€œI can’t. But there has to be an explanation somewhere. Someone in Bedford Creek must rememberTina, must know who she dated that summer. So while we’re waiting for the DNA results, I’ll do a little quiet investigating.”
    Her hands twisted involuntarily, as if she were pushing his words away. He couldn’t blame her. She had what must seem to her to be incontrovertible proof of his guilt. All he could do was continue to protest his innocence.
    â€œBottom line is, I’m not going to sign anything that says I’m that child’s parent. I can’t, because it’s not true. In three or four weeks, you’ll know that as well as I do. Maybe by then I’ll be able to point you in the right direction.”
    â€œI don’t want my private business splashed all over Bedford Creek.”
    â€œBelieve me, it’s in my interest to keep it quiet even more than it is yours. I’ll be discreet. But I’m going to start looking at this problem like a cop.”
    Her eyebrows went up at that. “Funny, I thought you always had.”
    He reminded himself that cops and defense attorneys went together like cats and dogs. “Look, Counselor, I am what I am.” Her sarcasm had effectively doused that spurt of longing to hold her, which was just as well. He stood, picking up his jacket. “I’ll be on my way now. I don’t suppose we’ll see each other again.”
    â€œI’m afraid you’re wrong about that.” She stood, too, her gaze locked on his.
    He gave an exasperated sigh. “You’re assumingthat in three or four weeks you’ll have proof I fathered Emilie. I know you’re wrong.”
    â€œActually, that isn’t what I was thinking.” She took an audible breath, as if building up to saying something she knew he wasn’t going to like. “Emilie and I aren’t staying here. We’re going back to Bedford Creek until the results come in.”
    â€œWhat?” He could only stare at her. “Why? Why on earth would you want to do that?”
    â€œYou’re right about one thing—the answers have to be in Bedford Creek. That’s where Tina became pregnant. That’s where the truth is. I can’t just sit here and wonder for the next month. I need to find out, no matter what.”
    â€œAfter the results come—” he began.
    She was already shaking her head. “I’m supposed to have a hearing on the adoption in a little over a month. Before then I have to resolve this, once and for all. And that means I’m coming to Bedford Creek.”
    He lifted an eyebrow skeptically. “Don’t you mean you want to keep an eye on me?”
    A faint flush warmed her smooth skin. “Let’s say I have a high respect for the power of a police uniform. I don’t want to see it used against me.”
    He fought down the urge to defend himself. If a man found it necessary to defend his honor, it must be in question. He took a careful step back.
    â€œNo point in my telling you not to worry about that, is there?”
    She shook her head. “I won’t interfere. You can pretend I’m not even there.”
    â€œNow that I can’t do.”