Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

"How did the party go?"

Josh and Suzanne sat across from each other in the studio. He had arrived with flat whites and croissants. Suzanne had crumbs all around her mouth and a hopeful expression on her face.

He allowed a smile to creep across his face.

"I knew it!" she exclaimed, jumping and up and down in her chair. "You bedded him."

"Don't say it like that."

"You did. I can tell."

Josh hid his laugh behind his hand.

"How was it?" Suzanne asked.

She clearly had no intention of letting him get off lightly. Her steely gaze showed a determination that it would be foolish to try to evade.

"Pretty fucking amazing. It's just?—"

"No," she said, holding her hand up. "That was a full stop. We don't need any more, thank you."

Josh put his half-eaten croissant down. "You don't know what I was going to say."

"I do. You were going to tell me how bad you feel because of Winston. Right or wrong?"

He settled in his chair and nursed the coffee cup as if it held the elixir of life. It had been a long time since he'd had to work on very little sleep. He would be needing at least two more very strong coffees to get through the day.

"Right," he said, quietly.

"The same Winston who is badgering you for a divorce?"

"Yes."

"And the one who has at least one man in the South of France?"

"Yes."

"Let's stick with the full stop. He doesn't deserve your time."

Suzanne was right. As he'd lain in Hugh's arms the night before, Josh had decided to tell the lawyer to give Winston what he wanted. Josh didn't need anything other than his home. He would crawl over hot coals before he let the Queens Crescent house go.

"What's lover boy doing today?" Suzanne asked.

"I left him in bed, the lucky sod," Josh replied. "His mate's away, doing a gig on a cruise ship for a few days. He's going to do some work on these new characters."

They got up. Suzanne spun around.

"Oh yes, I forgot. How did the meeting of Madeline go?"

Josh shook his head. "It didn't happen. Let's just say Mrs Wimpole and the Professor made a much more lasting impression."

Suzanne clutched him by the arm. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Poor Suzanne had been the recipient of a fiery takedown from Mrs Wimpole after Suzanne mistakenly sold a suit Mrs Wimpole had reserved. She remained terrified of her.

"It's nothing to do with me, thank you."

"Mrs Wimpole might not see it like that. You know what she's like."

He knew very well what Mrs Wimpole was like.

Suzanne set about organising the designs they'd been working on. They were going to have a full run-through of the collection and agree on all the changes that were needed. Time was ticking on and Josh didn't have the emotional strength to deal with a race to the finish line.

"Are you seeing him tonight?"

Evidently the interrogation hadn't concluded.

Josh shrugged. "We didn't make any plans."

"Invite him over for a lovely dinner. You're a great cook."

"I can't," Josh blurted out. "That's a step too far."

She stared across at him. "Oh shit, sorry. I totally understand. Okay, you'll have to take him out for dinner then."

"He might be busy."

"Only one way to find out."

"I'll make a call. Before that, I've got something else to do."

The Bluebird Café did a great evening service. Josh had got them a table. Hugh sat across from him, looking way too gorgeous for his own good. Now Josh had explored every part of him, he fancied him all the more. Tonight, he wore a red and black checked shirt. It was open at the collar. If the intention was to tease Josh, it had worked.

"You do know we'll get noticed," Hugh said.

Josh shrugged. "So what? It's only people round here. I'm allowed to buy my neighbour dinner and introduce him to the area. Besides, most of them saw us in spandex. The game is up."

Hugh stared at him over the top of his menu.

"You've changed your tune."

Josh took a breath. "I spoke to Madeline today. She's got me a lawyer."

Hugh almost dropped the menu. "You did?"

It felt weird saying it out loud. After being holed up in his house for weeks, life had started to lurch forward at an alarming pace.

Before he could answer, someone waved at him from another table. It was Sergio Martino. They'd gone through fashion school together. He returned the greeting and waved.

"Is that Sergio Martino?"

"Yes, he's a decent guy."

"Have you?"

Josh raised an eyebrow. "Once."

"Wow," Hugh replied. "I'm impressed."

"I did have a life before Winston, you know."

He certainly had. Not all of it good of course. Even so, he'd been independent once upon a time. He was determined to find that version of himself again.

"When are you meeting with the lawyer?"

"Tomorrow," Josh said. "Amazing how they can clear a space in their calendars when there's a shitload of money potentially changing hands."

Hugh began to peruse the menu again.

"What's the matter?" Josh asked.

"Money," Hugh replied. "You do know I don't have a pot to piss in."

Josh reached for his hand across the checked linen tablecloth. "So what? It's not the most important thing in the world."

Hugh rubbed the back of Josh's thumb. "So speaks the rich person."

Money had always been a by-product for his work. Josh had never had to struggle even though he hadn't come from affluent means of the standard of Queens Crescent. His main aim had been to spend his days doing what he loved. Of course, he'd never refused the cash that came in. It did make life easier in a lot of respects.

"Fuck that," Josh said, making Hugh jump. "If you take me to a fish and chip shop for dinner, I'll be just as happy. Besides, if Winston has his way, I'll probably have to give most of it up."

"Do you think it will come to that?"

Josh shrugged. "He can be single-minded when he wants to be. He knows I'll do anything to keep Queens Crescent. I can hardly wait to read his list of demands."

"You love the house that much?"

"It's been the only constant of my adult life," Josh explained. "I'd lose everything to keep it."

Hugh's eyes shone in the candlelight as he stared at him. "If it comes to that, I know loads of ways to have fun for free."

Josh's cock stirred. "You do?"

"Oh, absolutely, my friend. Stick with me."

Josh watched him resume studying the menu.

You know what? I think I will.

"I'm always going on about myself," Josh said. "You're going through shit. Have you spoken to your mum about it?"

Hugh looked up. "No. Why would I?"

The tone in Hugh's voice suggested he'd strayed into unfriendly waters.

"Sorry. I just thought you'd be close. You both moved here together, didn't you?"

Hugh had told him that the other night when they'd been cuddled up. Admittedly it had been a throwaway comment as part of another story. Now Josh could curse himself for making assumptions.

"Yeah. We are close. Were."

"Were?"

Hugh sighed. "Let's say my stepfather doesn't approve of me. Something he made perfectly clear at their wedding a few months back. This year is a real winner for me."

Josh frowned. Hugh might be trying to deflect with humour. It wasn't working.

Hugh reached across the table and took hold of Josh's hand.

"I'll tell you the whole sorry story over a gin one night," he said. "Not now though, eh? Let's enjoy ourselves."

Josh squeezed Hugh's fingers.

"Of course."

Hugh's bedroom door burst open and they spilled through it, kissing passionately. Josh pawed at Hugh's clothes.

"Fuck," he said, panting. "I've been waiting for this moment all day."

"Me too," Hugh replied before seizing another hungry kiss.

Josh staggered back and almost ripped off his own shirt. The craving for skin on skin with Hugh was becoming overwhelming. No striptease tonight. He wanted instant gratification.

Hugh took his cue and got out of his own clothes as fast as possible. In no time they stood in front of each other, naked. Josh took in that magnificent cock of Hugh's once again. It was rock-solid and so inviting.

He dropped to his knees and motioned for Hugh to come closer.

When he did, Josh gripped Hugh's thighs. Gently, he licked the tip of Hugh's cock, causing him to moan. Josh ran his hands up Hugh's legs to his arse. Holding Hugh firm, Josh opened his mouth and took his cock inside.

Like the previous night, at first he worried he wouldn't be able to. Yet, this was Hugh and tonight his pleasure was all Josh could think about. Slowly, he travelled down Hugh's shaft. Josh's own dick aching for attention.

He rocked back and forth, sliding Hugh's cock in and out of his mouth. Hugh gently stroked Josh's head as he did so. Josh glanced up and caught his eye. Hugh winked and Josh was glad he was on his knees. Those winks went straight to his legs.

Letting Hugh's cock slip of out of his mouth, Josh ducked down and licked Hugh's balls. He'd soon learnt that this was a particularly sensitive part of Hugh's body. A fact he was determined to exploit at every possible opportunity.

"Come here," Hugh said.

Josh stood and kissed him again. Their hard cocks clashing as Hugh drew him close. The only thing on Josh's mind was more.

He held on to Hugh's shoulders as they thrust their tongues in each other's mouths. As though they fit perfectly together.

Taking his hand, Hugh led him to the bed. Hugh sat on the edge and guided Josh closer. Gently, Hugh massaged Josh's solid dick. His light touch sent waves of pleasure throughout Josh's body.

Hugh glanced up at him. "Fuck you're gorgeous," he murmured.

"Show me."

Gripping Josh's hips, Hugh wrapped his lips around Josh's cock and took him inside. The warmth from his mouth made Josh shudder with pleasure. He looked down, watching as Hugh went to work. Josh could lose himself in this moment once again. The closeness he felt to Hugh at that moment took his breath away.

Yet, he wanted to take things to the next level. He was craving it.

Josh moved back, his cock falling out of Hugh's mouth.

"Get on your hands and knees," he instructed.

Hugh obeyed him. Josh took a moment to take in the gorgeous man who was totally open to him. It was intoxicating. He ran his fingers over Hugh's back and along his ass. The soft skin so wonderful to his touch.

He shifted round so he could see more. Hugh's ass was perfection. Hairless and ready for Josh.

"Fuck," he said, palming his own cock.

"You want this?" Hugh asked.

"Too fucking right I do."

"Come and get it then."

Josh buried his face between Hugh's cheeks. He could smell the musky scent of him as he ran his tongue along Hugh's hole. The first touch made Hugh cry out.

"More," he begged.

Josh was only too willing to oblige. He lapped at him. First slowly, then quick, then slow again. It was evidently driving Hugh mad, judging by the way his body was tensing and the noises he was making.

Panting, Josh moved back and stroked Hugh's wet ass. He pushed his finger inside. It was tight but Hugh relaxed to allow Josh access. Hugh had his face buried in the pillow now as Josh explored within him.

The temptation to rush was strong but Josh wanted Hugh to be totally relaxed and ready. They hadn't had the top or bottom conversation. Hugh was riding Josh's finger now so he figured that Hugh was very much on board with things.

"Can I fuck you?" Josh asked.

"After this, you'd bloody better."

Josh grinned. He pulled out and moved round Hugh's body. With a finger to his chin, he raised Hugh's head and kissed him.

"You're amazing," Josh whispered.

"Condoms are in my washbag on the side," Hugh replied. "Hurry."

They were clearly on the same wavelength and Josh was more than happy with that. He moved swiftly over to the nightstand that had the washbag. Inside were condoms, lube and a dildo—something that he would save for another day.

His hands were shaking with anticipation as he tore the condom wrapper. Hugh hadn't moved. His ass was on display. Josh rolled the condom on and applied a liberal slick of lube. He climbed up onto the bed and put more lube on Hugh's tight hole. Josh slid his finger inside once again. This time, Hugh's body put up no resistance. He was ready.

His heart racing, Josh lined the tip of his cock up to Hugh's ass. He placed one hand in the small of Hugh's back. Gently encouraging him to drop his hips and give Josh the ultimate access, which he did.

With one fluid motion, Josh gained entry to Hugh's incredible body. Fighting the urge to go in hard, he slowly pushed.

"Oh, Jesus," Hugh cried out. "That's incredible."

It was all the encouragement that Josh needed. Once he was fully inside, he took a moment to revel in the warmth. Then he gripped Hugh's hips and started to rock back and forth.

"That okay?" he murmured.

Hugh could only grunt in response. His face was once again buried in the pillow. Actions spoke louder than words though. Hugh reached behind and spread his cheeks wider. Signalling he wanted more.

Josh increased his pace. He almost withdrew before plunging back inside. Each stroke making Hugh groan.

Reaching forward, Josh held on to Hugh's shoulder with one hand and slapped his ass with the other. Now he was fucking him hard. The bed was shaking as he thrust in and out of Hugh's body.

Hugh had abandoned his own ass now and was holding onto the bed.

"Fuck, you're good," he stammered.

Usually, Josh would experiment with different positions but at that moment he wanted to get to the release. They had plenty of time for acrobatics. To come inside Hugh for the first time was like staking his claim.

"I want to come in you," Josh said, breathlessly.

"Let me come first," Hugh instructed.

Without waiting for a reply, Hugh reached underneath himself and started to pull at his cock. Sweat coursed down Josh's back as he pounded Hugh's hole.

"Harder," Hugh barked.

Josh obliged. He couldn't speak now as he surfed the waves of pleasure.

"Fuck. Going to come," Hugh grunted.

He threw his head back and let out a cry. His ass contracted over Josh's cock. That was Josh could hold on no longer. He squeezed Hugh's hips when the exquisite release came.

"Hugh," Josh shouted.

His eyes were seeing stars and his mind was clear for that split second where only sensation prevailed. He thrust every drop out of himself as the after-tremors swept over him.

Panting, he withdrew and sat back on his heels. His head was swimming and his legs were burning.

Hugh rolled onto his back and stared up at Josh.

"That was amazing."

"It was quick," Josh said.

He pulled the condom off, tied it and threw it in the bin.

"I think we'll be doing that again," Hugh said.

Josh flopped down next to him. Hugh snuggled into him. They were both clammy but Josh didn't care.

"So I guess you're a bottom then," Josh said.

They both giggled. High on the most primal of experiences.

"I'm a vers. How about you?"

"Same."

"Interesting."

Josh could feel Hugh's semi-hard monster on his leg.

"I'll have to work up to bottoming for you."

"That's what they all say," Hugh replied, absentmindedly stroking Josh's belly. "Doesn't take long though."

Josh could well believe it. Hugh had a hold over him that meant he would probably do anything he asked.

They lay in silence for a little while as their breathing returned to normal. Josh had known happiness in his life before. This was different. This was total bliss.

After a little while, Hugh got up and reached for a glass of water.

"You okay?" Josh asked.

"More than that."

Josh rested his hand behind his head and once again studied the delicious body that was before him.

"How are the characters coming along?" Josh asked.

Hugh turned to him. His eyes were shining.

"Really well. I could do with spending some more time with Mrs W and the Prof."

"Don't look at me," Josh replied. "I'm already going to get in deep shit."

He may be on the love train at the moment but something had been bothering Josh.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You've just come inside me," Hugh said, lying next to him. "I think the time for coy is over. Of course you can."

"Why don't you want me to design the costumes?"

Hugh sighed. "Please don't take this the wrong way," he began. "To have someone like you involved in our outfits is a dream come true. It's only that Winston appears to be the type who's got the most out of you that he possibly could. I don't want to be that person."

Josh's heart melted.

Could he be any more perfect?

"Hugh," Josh replied. "You have no idea what you have done for my life since you came into it. I'm the one who is benefiting from this."

"My butt would disagree."

"Okay, if you don't want a Josh Winterton original," Josh said. "Then how about you come by the store tomorrow. I can reveal that Mrs Wimpole frequents our rails on a regular basis. I'm sure Helga could give you some tips."

"Are you sure?"

"Too right I am."

Hugh leaned over and kissed him. "Then I accept."