Page 44 of The Good Neighbour

He was dusting the shelves. Monday had always been a quiet day in the boutique. Josh had suggested closing. However, they did a roaring trade online as well as in the store and Helga liked to keep on top of things.

Josh scowled. “He’s not my new man, thank you. He’s a friend.”

“Sure. I believe you,” Jean-Paul replied although the expression on his face suggested that wasn’t the case.

“Anyway, he’ll be here any minute,” Josh said. “He texted me to say he’s on his way. No shit-stirring from you either. Don’t make me remind Helga the storeroom needs gutting and scrubbing.”

Jean-Paul threw his duster at Josh. “You wouldn’t.”

Josh caught it and threw it back. “I would.”

It was a bit nerve-wracking to be hosting Hugh in the shop. Of course, it had been Josh’s idea and he was proud of their little operation. Even so, the more time he spent with Hugh, the more he valued his opinion. What if he thought the stock was all crap?

He wandered over to the rail that Helga had assured him Mrs Wimpole favoured. Josh’s label was far more edgy than suits.When Helga had realised that Mrs Wimpole and some of her cronies spent big, she’d devoted a small section to their kind of couture. It had proven to be quite the money-spinner too.

Josh browsed the rail. There was a duck-egg blue suit that could be perfect. He also saw a mint green one that would be equally as good. Yet, Hugh had made it clear that he didn’t want Josh to take over. His little speech the night before had touched Josh.

After Hugh had fallen asleep, Josh had replayed in his mind what he had said. Winston had never put Josh first. He’d made it perfectly clear who the main person was in their relationship. Josh shuddered to think what Winston’s list would be. He’d tried to play it down but that was always Winston’s style until he pounced.

“Well isn’t this a little piece of heaven?”

Hugh stood in the doorway. Josh’s body gave a jolt.

Fuck, he’s gorgeous.

Josh enjoyed the wave of tingles that swept over him whenever Hugh came near. He seemed to live in a state of anticipation of when he would be naked with him again. It was a level of horniness that appeared to be all-consuming.

He caught Jean-Paul watching him and stuck out his tongue.

“Hey,” he said, as Hugh approached. “How are you doing?”

Hugh kissed him on the cheek. Tingles shot through Josh’s body. Hugh had a magic touch and he was hopelessly addicted.

“What have you got for me?” Hugh asked.

“Oh, Jean-Paul is probably best to show you,” Josh replied. “He can also give you a peek at our suppliers. If there’s nothing here, we can always order something in for you.”

He didn’t want to come across as too bossy. Of course, he knew exactly how he would design a custom piece for the act. He’d done a few things for Mrs Wimpole over the years andhad her aesthetic down. He also didn’t want to dismiss Hugh’s independence. It appeared to be important to him.

Hugh linked his little finger with Josh’s and grinned.

“Just because I said no to you designing something doesn’t mean I don’t value your opinion. You’re Josh Winterton, for fuck’s sake.”

Jean-Paul swept past in a cloud of cologne strong enough to fell a rhino.

“Don’t tell him that,” he said. “We’ll never get his head out of the door.”

“Hugh, let me introduce you to the nosiest shop assistant in London,” Josh said.

“Couture consultant, actually.”

Jean-Paul held his hand out for Hugh to shake.

“Good to meet you, Jean-Paul,” Hugh said. “Now is someone going to find me a knockout suit?”

“Leave it to me,” Jean-Paul said. “This one has no idea what stock we have.”

Hugh glanced at Josh. “Have you told him?”