Page 167 of Hidden Nature

“Look at that. You taught him to shake.” Sloan obliged him.

“You got him to sit, and once he had that—we’re still working on down—shake was easy. Come on back. We’re looking for opinions.”

“I always have one.”

He led her to the home office.

Nash turned, studied her. “How was your hike?”

“I finished too late in the day for a good one, so opted for a nice walk. This is a wonderful space. Plenty of natural light.”

“It’s gonna be the office,” Robo told her.

“Mmm. So, built-ins flanking the big window.”

“That’s the plan,” Nash said.

“Walnut.” She gestured toward the lumber. “Nice.”

“Choosing paint colors.” Theo hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. “Weigh in.”

“They’re all good, all say something different. That chocolate brown needs to go somewhere. It’s so rich. But in here, with all that walnut, I’d probably go for that middle gray.”

“Score.” Theo pumped his fist.

“But. I’d want to see it in different lights.”

“That’s what the boss said,” Robo told her. “If we’re finished for the day, I’ll get going. I’ve got a date and want to clean up.”

“Bowling girl?”

With a glance at Theo, Robo flushed a little. “We’re getting a pizza, then going to the arcade. Skee-Ball, pinball, and all that.”

“Have fun. Nine tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here. See you around, Sloan.”

“Let’s have your coat.” Theo moved to help her off with it as the dog raced out to say goodbye to Robo. “How about a drink? It’s five o’clock on Saturday, and we’re not picking up any power tools.”

“I can’t stay long, but thanks. Just wanted a good walk.”

“You should stay for dinner.”

“Oh, I—”

“Drea’s making your mom’s beef stew and bringing it over about six. She had some paperwork, and we were demoing, or she’d have made it here in our high-class kitchen.”

Tic pranced in with a ball, dropped it at Theo’s feet.

“He wants out. Stay,” he repeated. “It’ll be like our little Saturday family dinner.”

He tossed the ball so Tic gave wild chase, then walked out with Sloan’s coat to get his own.

“Everything okay?”

“Yes, everything’s fine.” Not the time to tell him she’d found two more.

“I take it babymoon means you’re not hanging out with your friends tonight.”

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