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Sway finally met Brian’s eyes when his hands came up to Brian’s neck covered by the standing white collar. Sway swallowed roughly and cleared his throat before he asked, “When did you get this?” Sway whispered in amazement. He’d seen the picture, but he hadn’t seen the medal.
“Twenty twelve. When I got home.” Brian said, his voice raspier than it had been.
Sway finally got up the nerve to touch the gold Navy Medal of Honor star, clasped around Brian’s neck by a light blue silk ribbon. In the center of the ribbon were thirteen white stars in the form of three chevrons. The Navy star had the word VALOR in all caps just above it. It took him a while to move his eyes away from the military’s most prestigious award. Sway couldn’t help but wonder what else Brian had received for all he’d endured for his country. On the other side of his chest Brian had two more rows of colorful board ribbons. Each one representing one of his many skills.
Brian was regulation all the way. No cologne, just all man. All him. An alluring fragrance in itself. He’d cut his hair even lower on the sides and shaved his beard. Sway had never seen him this bare and exposed. The scars and craters in his face were more noticeable but they only added to his dangerous appeal. Sway was almost hesitant to ask, but he wouldn’t be a good boyfriend if he didn’t. He didn’t know if the uniform could cause triggers, or the many questions that would come from Brian wearing the uniform could cause a trigger. “How do you feel putting this back on?”
“Strong.” Brian didn’t have to even think about. Not only did he look strong, but he sounded it. Brian leaned down and gently kissed Sway’s forehead. “Don’t worry. You ready?”
“Oh, I’ve never been readier for anything in my life.” Sway beamed, knowing he had the bravest, baddest, sexiest man in the world on his arm. And, just in case anyone wanted to doubt that, all they had to do was open their damn eyes. Brian wore it all over him.
“Good.” Brian turned back to his display stand and retrieved a small black felt box from the top shelf. “I got a little hardware for you too.”
Sway blinked at the box. It wasn’t a ring box, but it didn’t stop his heart from fluttering. Brian opened the flat compartment and took out the shiny gold object. Sway stared fascinated. It was a nurse’s pin, the Maltese cross, gleaming and gorgeous. However, it wasn’t a typical one. The cross was made to be pinned to a lapel. “Is this a real diamond?” Sway blinked, as Brian pinned the Masters of Nursing, 24k gold pin to his black silk lapel. It stood out beautifully.
“Of course, it is. This is all about your superpower tonight, baby.” Brian said, completing his job. He surveyed the pin and nodded as if he was satisfied. He and Brian were still standing there staring and dishing out numerous compliments—about fresh haircuts and neatly groomed beards—when he heard a car pull up. “Time to go.”
Sway put on his all-weather coat, he didn’t have an expensive, wool overcoat like Brian, but he didn’t mind. Brian could make anyone look good on his arm. Sway was helped into his winter coat before Brian put on his. He completed his uniform with the traditional, white formal combination cap with the Navy emblem. Sway was gonna strut like a peacock when he walked into that hotel ballroom.
He stepped out into the wintry night air to a shiny, black stretch limousine waiting for them at the curb. He almost tripped down the stairs when he saw it. Brian had really gone all out for this and Sway was thankful, if slightly overwhelmed. “Brian. This is too much… I—”
“You deserve all this and more,” Brian signed. “Let’s go have a good time.”
When they arrived—an hour and a half into the event—the limo let them out in front of the InterContinental hotel in Buckhead. The lobby was luxurious and not what either of them were used to, but Brian stood as tall as he could and entered the dimly lit ballroom with Sway clinging to his arm. They checked their coats and Brian’s cover with the attendant, then surveyed the room for their assigned table. Everyone was dressed to the nines in glittery gowns and tuxedos.
Gold and silver draped the opulent ballroom. Candlelit centerpieces glowed on tables arranged around a decent-sized dance floor. The small band played light jazz while people conversed, mingled and finished eating. Some were already going back to the lavish buffet spread for seconds. Sway never let go of Brian, waving every few seconds at someone he recognized. He smiled from ear to ear and there was no way he missed that all eyes were on them. Brian was the only one dressed in military regalia.
