Page 47 of The Good Neighbour

“She’s a one-off in that respect. At least she’s willing to work with you. You’ll have a ball.”

Hugh frowned. “What about the Professor?”

“She’ll have that all sorted out by sundown. You mark my words.”

Josh slung his arm around Hugh’s shoulder and drew him in for a hug.

“You were pretty amazing there,” Josh said.

“Thanks.”

“Fancy coming round tonight?” Josh asked.

The words had tumbled out of his mouth before he’d really thought about them.

“Are you ready for that?” Hugh asked.

“I really am.”

It was late when they got back. Hugh had insisted on buying Josh a pint in The Swan pub on the way home. It was as though he could sense Josh’s nerves.

“We can stay at mine, you know,” Hugh said.

Josh shook his head. “No, it’s time,” he replied. “This was my home before Winston moved in. I’m reclaiming it.”

Hugh nodded. He took his jacket off and put it carefully on the back of one of the chairs in the kitchen.

“Come here,” he said.

Josh obeyed. The feel of Hugh wrapping his arms around Josh’s shoulders gave him the grounding he needed. They kissed. Hugh ran his tongue along Josh’s teeth. He opened his mouth to give Hugh access, which he immediately exploited.

Their bodies pressed together, the kiss intensified. Josh could feel the heat coming from Hugh’s body. It might be a chilly evening but he wanted to be naked immediately.

“Show me your bedroom,” Hugh said, panting.

This was the moment. Adrenalin pumped through him as he took Hugh’s hand.

“You’re trembling,” Hugh said.

He kissed the back of Josh’s hand.

Silently, Josh led him up the stairs. Of course, Hugh had visited Josh’s home before but never to the inner sanctum. He’d been sure only he and Winston would ever see the inside of that room.

He almost backed out. There were plenty of spare rooms. Yet, this was more than just having sex with a hot new guy.

Pushing open the door, he walked inside. The main bedroom was huge. A large bed stood in the centre, facing a marble fireplace. The walls gleamed crisp white and the curtains black. It had been Josh’s brainchild to do the room that way. He loved it.

He remembered when he’d unveiled it to Winston, who had gone berserk. He thought it was stark and clinical. They’d argued and Winston had ended up spending the night in the attic.

“I love it,” Hugh said.

He let his hand drop and walked into the room.

“It’s so fresh,” he continued. “You must feel amazing when you wake up.”

If ever there was a more prophetic moment, Josh didn’t know about it. He pulled Hugh close.

“You’ll have to let me know in the morning.”