Page 19 of The Good Neighbour

His directness continued to be a shock to Josh after years of decoding Winston’s actions. He wasn’t sure if he admired it or feared it.

“I’m not either,” he said. “Truly.”

Hugh sat back in his chair and took a swig from his wine. “That’s good because you badly needed kissing.”

Josh burst out laughing. “Ineeda lot of things.”

“Is that right?”

The glint in Hugh’s eye was enough to make Josh melt. The small kitchen had become very warm indeed.

“You know what I think you should do?” Hugh said.

“What’s that?”

“Stay the night.”

Josh sat straight up. Where the fuck had that come from?

“Um…”

“No sex or anything like that,” Hugh cut in. “You need to share a bed with someone and I’m willing to do my neighbourly duty.”

Josh took a large gulp of his wine and bought himself some time to process.

Why shouldn’t I? I’ve rejected him once tonight. He’s not going to hang around for much more. Besides, I really fucking want to.

“I didn’t bring my toothbrush.”

Hugh grinned. “I have a spare.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever attended a slumber party before.”

Hugh clapped his hands together. “Then there should be no further delay.”

He went to the fridge and got out a bottle of champagne.

“Important to keep one’s fluid intake up. Grab two flutes from that cupboard there.”

Josh obeyed him.

“Let’s go.”

With a swirling stomach, he followed Hugh up the stairs. It was a similar layout to his house with a lounge on the first floor, then up to the main bedrooms.

“Are you in Jeannie’s room?”

He didn’t think she would be impressed that her neighbour had slept in her bed.

“No, I’ve got the top floor.”

What would have been the staff quarters when the houses were originally built had become the best rooms in most of the houses. The view over the rooftops of Kensington was incredible.

Madeline had knocked hers into one huge bedroom for her son, Mercury. Josh and Winston had always been meaning to create a shared office space yet they had never got round to it. It mainly housed some old pieces Josh had designed and memorabilia they had picked up on their travels.

Hugh led him into a decent-sized room that housed a huge king bed that dominated the floorspace. The wardrobes that lined the back wall were painted a dark grey, giving the whole place a cosy vibe. He peered through to a gorgeous en-suite with bath and walk-in shower. All black and white tiles and porcelain.

He had to hand it to her, Jeannie had exquisite taste.