For a moment the officer just looks stunned. He opens his mouth a couple times, looking like he's going to argue with her. And then doesn't.

He doesn't know what the truth is. Isn't sure he wants to find out by her telling him he's lying.

"I wasn't aware it was a competition." He decides on quietly. And that much is true. He'll sip at his coffee quietly. "...Are you trying to convince me or yourself? Because my coming here was supposed to be an enjoyable experience for both of us. Especially you."

No, he doesn't need reassuring Verity. But he does need to know what's going on.