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“Yes. Why would they even make this a formal if it’s to appreciate nurses? Not only do they make us buy expensive tickets, then they make us get all dressed up in clothes we can’t afford. That hardly sounds like appreciation, it sounds like more work. This is our last night before I have to go back to work tomorrow. Let me play hooky, please. Let me be bad just this once.”
“No,” Brian said.
Sway feigned as if he was so distraught.
Brian ran his hand over Sway’s soft waves. “Would it make you feel better if I went with you?”
Sway sat up so fast he almost fell off the side of the chaise. “What?!”
Brian casually reached over to his side table and retrieved the plain white envelope sitting atop a couple of magazines. He opened it and took out his own ticket.
Sway groaned. “Dammit, Cayson.”
Brian didn’t have to confirm. Of course, Cayson had insisted Brian escort Sway to the gala. “Now go. Get ready in the guest room. One hour.”
Brian got up and left the library. He was across the hall in his bedroom when he heard Sway’s hurried footsteps coming after him. His bare feet slapping against the hardwood flooring. Brian’s heart stuttered. He’d never get tired of that simple sound. It meant he wasn’t alone.
“You have a tux?” Sway asked watching Brian.
“I have formal wear. Yes.” That’s all Brian said.
Sway kept standing there, watching Brian gather his things for a shower. When he turned to look at him in the doorway, Sway had put on the best pouty face he could muster, including the huge, brown doe eyes. Brian laughed out loud again and strolled over to him. He pulled Sway against him and bent to press his mouth against his ear. He spoke in the voice that made Sway’s breath hitch. “We stay for one hour. I promise to make it worth it.” He turned Sway around after a couple more kisses and swatted him hard on the ass. “Now go get sexy for me.”
Sway
He used up ten minutes of his hour trying to think of another tactic to use to get Brian to agree to ditch the function. He also wasn’t interested in running into Dr. Dickhead. All night Friday and most of Saturday morning, Sway had thought for sure that a cop would ring Brian’s doorbell and haul him away for battery and assault. But it had never happened. They’d both called the doctor’s bluff, just like he’d called Sway’s. Neither of them made any calls. Last night, Sway had decided he was going to report the harassment when the trial ended. There was no statute of limitations on reporting abuse, according to the hospital’s bylaws. Brian wasn’t crazy about the idea of waiting, but when Sway thought of Ms. Debbie’s hopeful face… and all the other patients; the decision was easy. Besides he didn’t think Dr. Dominick would mess with him anymore, after being choked and handled that way. However, a tiny beatdown wasn’t good enough. God only knew how many other nurses he’d made feel trapped. Justice would come to Dr. Dominick, but Sway was going to let him save Ms. Debbie first. He’d use the doctor the same way he used people. Sway was willing to put himself last and the needs of others before himself. It was called being a nurse.
He was running a little behind and he couldn’t care less. That was until he finally emerged from the guest room. His tuxedo was pretty standard, wasn’t designer. He fiddled with his bowtie as he walked, his shiny dress shoes clacking noisily on the hard floor. He hoped Brian was ready because he was already over this night. The sooner he got there and showed his face, the sooner he could leave. “Okay. This is as ready as I’m going to—” Sway’s words died on his lips when he turned to go into the den. Brian had his back to him, staring at the pictures of his SEAL team on the wall. All Sway could do was stand there speechless until Brian turned to face him and that was when he thought his knees would give. Brian stood tall and regal in his formal, dress white military uniform. When his boyfriend had said he had formal wear, he hadn’t expected this.
Sway could barely get his feet to move. It wasn’t just seeing Brian in his uniform, it was all the medals, pins, the ribbons, the honors that decorated his chest and neck. Sway’s eyes filled with moisture as he stood in front of Brian. His lover hadn’t said a word, just let Sway breathe and take it all in. It was all so much. He started at the bottom and worked his way up. Brian’s pants were pressed and sparkling white, including his shoes. It wasn’t until Sway got to the heavy white dress coat that his hands started to shake. He traced the shiny gold buttons, up until he got to the bottom row of medals, yes, there was more than one. Sway’s eyes lingered on the various ribbons, his throat blocked while he tried to voice his appreciation for Brian’s service. Four medals hung on the bottom and just above that row, three more medals hung against Brian’s broad chest. The gold collar insignia and the thick, black and gold shoulder boards told of his distinguished career and elevated rank.
