Page 17 of The Good Neighbour

“Can’t believe it?”

To Josh’s horror, tears welled in his eyes.

“Shit. Sorry.” He wiped them away with his sleeve.

“Hey,” Hugh said, scooting up the sofa. “I didn’t mean to upset you. My mother always says I should learn to soften my edges.”

Josh flinched as Hugh took hold of his hand.

“I think you’re a decent person, Josh Winterton. I also think, deep down, you agree with me. You’re a bit bruised at the moment.”

This handsome being so close to him made Josh’s chest tight and his body temperature shoot up.

“Are you going to tell me that time heals all wounds?”

Hugh nodded. “That would be a cliché, wouldn’t it? How about good times get rid of them?”

Josh stared into Hugh’s electric-blue eyes.

“Perhaps you’re right. I have been hiding away for a while.”

Hugh squeezed Josh’s hand. “Nothing wrong in wallowing for a bit. You have to know when to stop.”

He was the second person to say that to him.

They were so close now Hugh’s breath tickled Josh’s face. He was also sure that Hugh would be able to hear the heavy drum of Josh’s heart. He half expected it to pound out of his chest if this carried on much longer.

“You make it sound so easy,” he managed.

“It is,” Hugh replied. “You just have to jump.”

The invitation in his eyes was too much for Josh. He cleared the distance between them and kissed Hugh. The soft lips thathe’d not stopped thinking about since he’d gone to rescue his new neighbour from the washing machine were finally pressed against his own.

Hugh shifted a little closer. Hugh swept the tip of his tongue over Josh’s. Suddenly, the real world came rushing in and he leapt back.

“Fuck.”

CHAPTER FIVE

“I’m sorry,” Josh said breathlessly. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Hugh stared at him. He moved slightly away. Every fibre of Josh’s being wanted to draw him close once again. He fought valiantly to push the urge down. To be in control.

“I’m m-married,” Josh stammered.

“At the risk of repeating myself,” Hugh replied, “are you sure about that?”

All the upset of the last few weeks came rushing toward him at the speed of a runaway train. Sweat coursed down Josh’s back.

“I…I think you should go.”

Hugh seemed crestfallen. “Okay,” he said. “I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I don’t regret it. Josh, I may have only known you for five minutes, but I can see that you’re a decent guy who needs a break.”

Josh needed him out of the place before his tears began.

“Thank you. I?—”