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then angry. Jenna realized what he must be thinking and held up her hands. “That’s not what last night was all about. You have to believe me. I just decided to tell you–” Jenna stopped and took a deep breath. This was harder than she thought it would be, but if they were going to have any kind of relationship, he needed to know upfront.
    “I want to have a baby. I’m thirty-two years old and can’t see any reason to wait. In fact, I’m thinking about being artificially inseminated, but I have to wait for another blood test to come back.” She didn’t like to think about the first one that said she carried a marker for cystic fibrosis. It had to be a mistake. She’d gone to an independent lab in Portland to have another test done.
    Eric looked a bit stunned. “You get more amazing by the minute.”
    “You mean crazy.”
    “No. In fact, I admire your determination. I wish I had the same options you do.”
    “You mean you want kids?”
    “Very much.”
    Was Eric just saying what he thought she wanted to hear? “So what kind of dad would you be?” She smiled to let him know he didn’t have to take it too seriously.
    “I’m not sure, but I know I’d be there. No working late at night or stopping at the bar for a few hours on the way home.” Eric’s voice trembled. “Why have a kid if you’re not willing to be a big part of his life?”
    “I know what you mean.” Jenna wanted to jump up and hug him. He was either completely full of shit or one in a million. They were both quiet for a minute. Jenna’s cheeks blazed as she thought of the possibilities. Physically he seemed perfect: six-two, not much body fat, lots of hair, and good looking. He was kind and sensitive, a generous lover, and even had a sexy little mole on his jaw.
    It had been a long time since she’d been really attracted to someone. She’d had lots of dates and a few short-term relationships, but something was always wrong. Lack of common interests or annoying little habits. No matter what seemed wrong, the real problem was always lack of spark.
    Now the sparks were flying. Jenna’s stomach tightened. She’d probably never see him again. He was just toying with her, trying to get as much material as he could for his story. Oh God, he wouldn’t put all that personal stuff about her in the paper, would he?
    They both started to speak at once, then stopped and smiled. Eric motioned for her to go ahead, but a food server stopped at the booth and asked if they wanted a pastry. Jenna waited while he ordered a cinnamon roll.
    After the food server left, Eric grimaced. “I’m sorry. Did you want one too?”
    “No thanks. I lost twenty pounds last year and have no intention of gaining it back.” Damn! What was wrong with her? Was she trying to scare him off? Why not just show him her high school picture and be done with it?
    “I think that’s great. Did you join a diet group?”
    “I joined a gym, but it wasn’t enough. I finally had to give up all the crap in my diet, the stuff I love the most, like chocolate and potato chips and cream cheese.”
    “I don’t think I could.” Eric suddenly looked sheepish. “Here comes my order. Should I send it back? I feel bad about eating it in front of you.”
    Jenna smiled. Eric was pretty decent for a guy. “It’s okay. But thanks for asking.”
    The food server came and went and Eric dug into his roll. “How often do you workout?” he asked, his mouth full.
    “Every day.”
    Eric raised his eyebrows. “That’s impressive.” He put down the pastry and licked frosting off his thumb. Jenna’s heart skipped a beat. It took her a moment to realize he was talking again. “What motivated you? I mean, to do it on your own?”
    Jenna hesitated. Why should it be hard to admit she was looking for a husband? Especially after telling him she wanted a baby.
    His eyes pleaded with her to trust him and she let out her breath. “The truth is, I’ve wanted a family for a long time. I originally