“I don’t see the humor in reassuring a crime victim I’m keeping her case top of mind.”

“Keeping her case top of mind—or keeping her top of mind?”

As usual, his friend had cut straight to the chase.

Instead of responding, he broke into a sprint, giving the well-lit area a sweep. This was a safe part of town—and the park was full of people who’d waited until the temperature cooled at dusk to clock their daily miles—but once a cop, always a cop.

“Hey . . . was that sudden burst of speed a new training technique—or an avoidance tactic?” Adam drew up beside him again.

He could pretend he was too winded to talk, but his buddy would see through that in a heartbeat. Between his running and regular gym workouts, he was in excellent shape.

“No comment.”

“Must mean you have a personal interest in the lady.”

“Jumping to conclusions is dangerous, counselor.”

“It’s not a jump if the evidence points that direction.”

“You know I’m not in the market for a relationship.”

“I thought that might change after I got married.”

“Nope.” Even if life had been lonelier since his friend’s wedding six months ago. Adam was diligent about staying in touch, but it wasn’t like the old days when they could call each other up at four o’clock and book an impromptu dinner together.

“I think you’re nuts.”

Brent forced a lightness he didn’t feel into his tone. “Don’t hold back. Tell me how you really feel.”

“You know how I feel. I’ve been up front about it ever since you declared a moratorium on dating.”

“I date.”

“Only if you’re pressured into it for a couples-oriented social event. And never the same woman twice.”

“So? I don’t want to lead anyone on.”

“Where does that leave you with Eve Reilly?”

Good question.

Once this case wrapped up, he’d be free to ask her out—but unless his instincts were failing, a date with her would simply whet his appetite for more.

And that could undermine his resolve to walk a wide circle around commitments.

They rounded the last curve in the path and entered the home stretch.

“Assuming I was interested—and I’m not admitting I am—I don’t have to make that call yet.”

“You want my advice?”

“If I say no, will you back off?”

“What do you think?” An elbow connected with his rib cage, and his friend chuckled.

He gave a protracted sigh. “Fine. Say your piece.”

“I’ll give it to you in a nutshell. The situation with Karen was unfortunate. I know she was traumatized, and I know you were freaked out by her reaction. I get that. But not every female is incapable of dealing with risk. In my experience, women in general are incredibly strong.”