Nick Gordon plays down Bobbi Kristina Houston 'romance' rumours

Whitney Houston's 'adopted' son Nick Gordon has scotched rumours he's dating the tragic singer's daughter Bobbi Kristina, insisting he's just helping her through her grief.

Rumours have swirled since Houston's death that her 19-year-old daughter is romancing Gordon, 22, and a British newspaper even alleged they are engaged after Bobbi Kristina was spotted sporting a diamond ring.

But Gordon, who was taken in by Houston at the age of 10 because his mother was struggling to raise him, has now spoken out in a bid to silence the gossip.

He admits they have become closer since Houston was found dead in her hotel suite in Los Angeles last month (Feb12), but is adamant he is merely providing her a shoulder to cry on.

Gordon tells ABCNews.com, "We're just close - just going through her mom's passing."