Page 97 of In at the Deep End

Owen pretended to think about it. “There are songs.”

Matt stared at him. “That's your clue?”

“I never said it was a good clue.”

He knew he’d spend the rest of the evening trying to guess.

He also knew Owen would enjoy every second of it.

“Well?” Owen glanced at Matt as they reached the Strand. “I think I’ve been very patient, but you haven’t said a word since we left the theatre.” Not that he was too worried: Matt’s bursts of laughter throughout the performance didn’t leave much room for doubt.

Matt chuckled. “Okay. I’ve never even seen a copy of The Book of Mormon, but⁠—”

“There’s one in the drawer at the hotel,” Owen interjected. “Along with a copy of the Bible.”

Matt narrowed his gaze. “But, I was about to say, now I’m curious. Although I think “The Book of Arnold” might be more my speed.” He grinned. “He had the best lines. And oh my God, that song the villagers wrote…”

“So I made the right choice?”

He laughed. “You know you did.” He let out a happy sigh. “I’ve had such a good time. I’m only sorry it has to end.” He huffed. “Back to reality tomorrow. Which means the dissertation.”

“Not much longer now, and it’ll be finished. And I’ll crack the whip if I have to.”

Matt smiled. “That mythical whip you don’t actually possess?” Then he lapsed into silence.

They strolled at a reasonable pace, accompanied by the constant hum of traffic, the city showing no signs of slowing down for the night.

Then it hit him. Matt was way too quiet.

Owen gave him another glance. “Where’s your head right now?” Matt flushed, and he chuckled. “Let me guess. Last night or first thing this morning?”

“I didn’t know I was that obvious.” Another huff. “To be honest, it’s never been far from my mind all day. It’s as if my brain has a default switch.” He shook his head. “This isn’t something I’ve ever experienced before, and it takes some getting used to.”

Owen gazed at him. He couldn’t escape the feeling Matt wasn’t talking about sex with a guy.

“Would it help if I said what happens at the Savoy stays at the Savoy?” Owen knew he was giving Matt an out.

Matt bit his lip. “Only if that’s what we both want. It doesn’t have to end here, does it? I mean… we can still do this at home?”

Owen’s heart gave a little lurch. “Is that what you want?”

He nodded, still flushed.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”

They crossed the road together as the lights changed. The Savoy came into view, its entrance glowing warmly in the London night.

Owen looked at it. Twenty-four hours ago, it had just been a hotel, somewhere he’d stayed before, a familiar, safe, predictable space.

It was now proving to be none of those things.

Somehow, it had become the place where everything he’d been so determined to keep simple no longer was.

Chapter Twenty

Matt had barely made it through the front door before his mum enveloped him in a hug.

“Well?”