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us to get to know each other better. Although, you could do an internet search on me and find out quite a bit,” she added wryly.
    â€œYeah, age, education, pedigree. Gossip about potential marriage partners.”
    â€œTrust me, that was only gossip. Only speculation. At one time, my brother was hoping I would accept a proposal from—” She broke off, remembering she should keep that information private, at least for the time being.
    â€œFrom who?” he prompted.
    â€œState business,” she said. “My brother would consider it confidential.”
    â€œAnd you?” he asked. “What would you consider it?”
    â€œHorrifying,” she said. “Impossible.”
    He chuckled and lifted his beer to his lips. “I can see why it didn’t work out.”
    â€œWell, enough about me. What about you? Any former loves in your past?”
    A shadow crossed over Zach’s face, and his expression immediately closed. “I don’t discuss that part of my past. You want to know about my sister and brother, my business, my ranch, I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”
    â€œBut—” she said. “You just asked about mine.”
    â€œI wanted to know if there is anyone else in the picture with you. I can tell you I’m not seeing anyone. That’s all you need to know.”
    Frustrated, stymied, she stared at him. “How am I to know what kind of father you would be?”
    â€œI can ask the same question. How do I know what kind of mother you would be?” he countered.
    â€œWell, that’s different,” she said, flustered by how he’d turned the tables on her. “You know I’d already begun to make plans to take care of the baby, to raise the child on my own.”
    â€œWithout letting the child know about the father,” he said, a bit of steel slipping into his voice.
    â€œYes, but I already explained why. It was a one-night stand. It didn’t seem fair to hold you responsible.”
    â€œWell, there’s where you’re wrong. I never back down from my responsibilities.”
    â€œI can see how you would feel that way,” she conceded. “But what I really want to know is your attitude toward children. What are your thoughts about raising them?”
    â€œChildren are to be nurtured and protected. I don’t believe in raising a hand against a child. There are other ways to teach them, if that’s what you’re asking. I will be involved with this child,” he said. “You can count on it. And if you really want to know what I think about raising a child, I think the parents should do it together,” he said, his gaze meeting hers dead-on. “As husband and wife.”
    Tina’s stomach clenched. “Of course, that doesn’t apply to us,” she said.
    He took a slow swallow from his beer and she couldn’t help watching his throat work. The sight was surprisingly sensual. Her thoughts caught her off guard.
    â€œYet,” he said and set down his glass.
    Shock raced through her and she couldn’t keep her eyes from rounding. “Oh, no. You can’t be serious,” she said. “You don’t really think you and I should—” She shook her head.
    â€œGet married,” he finished for her and she marveled at how easily the words slid off his tongue. He didn’t appear the least bit troubled by the prospect.
    â€œWe don’t even know each other,” she said, desperation growing inside her. “We don’t even know if we like each other.”
    â€œWe can take some time to find out,” he said. “You’re early in your pregnancy.”
    Alarm buttons went off inside her brain and Tina stood. “I’m sorry, but I hope I haven’t misled you into believing I have any intention of marrying you. I agree that it’s a goodidea for us to know each other, but—” She shook her head, her throat