to work out more of the details。〃
Chloe's arched brow spoke volumes； as did the slow perusal she gave the
casually disheveled graduate student。 〃You're up to it？〃 With great
effort she stifled a broader grin。 Josh was a favorite of hers。 Several
years her junior； he was working toward his degree at Brown。 This was
his second year working part…time at ESE。
His proposed high…school geology curriculum was as fine as any she could
have hoped ESE would produce。
Now he lowered his voice。 〃I'd really be up to it if I could take a swig
of the coffee that smells so good in the kitchen。〃
〃Why don't you？〃
He kept his voice low。 〃There's a watchdog out there。〃
〃In the kitchen？〃
〃In the living room。 Tall guy； dark hair； dark eyes。 He doesn't look
happy with the traffic in here。 Who is he？ And what's he doing in our
house？〃
For the better part of the morning Chloe had pushed Ross from mind。 Now；
revived by the work that she loved； she was able to chuckle at Josh's
reference。
〃He's a friend；〃 she answered simply。
〃You're sure about that？〃
〃I'm sure。 Go on out and get your coffee。 If he starts to snarl； you can
send him in here。〃
Josh's face took on a dubious I…hope…you…know …what…you're…doing look。
Noheless； he drew up to his full sixty…seven inches； squared his
shoulders； and made as grand an exit as was possible for