“United States Navy, honorably discharged with the highest level of honor,” Quick simmered next to Brian. His voice was low, deadly like him, and centered on the doctor for only him to hear, “So, show some goddamn respect and shake his hand.” Quick stepped in, making the conversation personal. “Or, I can make it so you’re never able to use that hand again.”
Dr. Dominick’s eyes widened before he shot a panicky glance around them, then reached his hand out and held it in front of Brian. “Yes. Um. Thank you for your service.” Brian clasped his hand and squeezed until the doctor gritted his teeth. When he pulled away, he cut his eyes back to Sway who was still glued to Brian’s other side.
“Sway. Oh my gosh, you look amazing.” A couple of ladies and three men came up to them, with cocktails in their hands, practically pushing Dr. Dominick to the side. “Hi! Do you remember us? We’re on Sway’s team. We saw you before.”
“I do, yes. It’s nice to see you all again. Sway talks about you guys a lot.” Brian smiled and played the part for Sway. He did it all for him. Sway had hated everything about this event… up until Brian had said he was going with him. Now on his arm, Sway glowed.
“You look very handsome.” A firecracker who’d reintroduced himself as Adam said, inching closer. He had on a gray tuxedo, with metallic silver lapels. His hair had been dyed a startling white and it fit with his gray eyes. He was a cutie pie, if Brian had been into that type. He seemed to act like the spokesperson of their clique. Sway gripped his arm tighter making him have to suppress his smile.
“Thank you,” Brian said, making the man’s eyes light up.
“You’re welcome.” The flirty nurse inched even closer. “We were over there watching you guys when you came in. We didn’t know your man was in the military, Sway. We were wondering what all these medals and ribbons meant. You sure have a lot.”
“They represent my expertise and years of service.” Brian said casually.
Quick downed his scotch and was pulled away from Brian’s side when the band began to play another slower jazz instrumental. Several couples headed out to the dance floor. Sway leaned close to him as he watched the couples embrace and rock in each other’s arms.
“Oh, what’s this one?” Flirty ran one glossy nail over Brian’s Joint Service Commendation medal. “You know what, just tell us what all of them mean.”
Sway stood silently, but with a possessive arm hooked around Brian’s elbow. He wanted to show Sway that he’d always be the center of his attention.
“Maybe later. Right now, I want to dance with the most beautiful man in the room.” Brian gazed down at Sway and gave him an affectionate smile. “Aimerais-tu danser, mon beau?”
Sway gaped at Brian with amazement and heat. Brian hadn’t told his boyfriend that he spoke multiple languages, including French. He didn’t sound as suave as he used to, but it felt good to speak it again, especially to Sway. The women gushed, watching Sway get treated like the prince he was. “Are you ever going to stop surprising me?”
Brian shook his head. “I asked you to dance, beautiful. Are you going to make me go out there solo?”
Adam piped in before Brian could even finish his sentence. “If Sway doesn’t want to g—”
“I’d love to, Brian. Thank you,” Sway cut Adam off, giving him a warning eye. The guy sneered at Sway, like a kid who would tease their older sibling, and sauntered off with his followers.
Brian subtly winked at Dr. Dominick when he walked past with Sway, leading him to the dance floor beside Quick and Cayson. Brian heard what the arrogant doctor had said to Sway in his office. About, Brian not being good enough to escort him to a black-tie affair. He’d never been happier to prove someone wrong.
“This almost doesn’t feel real.” Sway whispered, leaning close to him so his forehead rested against his shoulder.
Brian held his hand firmly around Sway’s back. He wanted to bury his mouth behind his ear, but he would respect he was in uniform and limit the PDA. “This is all very real.”
Sway pressed his cheek against Brian’s shoulder, his hands clasped around Brian’s neck. They danced through that song—merely rocking in each other’s arms—and into the next the one. This song had more saxophone and piano, making it sound more romantic, like a Kenny G ballad. Brian brushed his hand over Sway’s tamed waves. “You want to eat?”
“No. It’s a lot of hoity-toity stuff this time. I really feel like a beer and some wings.” Sway gazed into his eyes. He felt his chest lighten at what he saw. “I say two more dances, because I feel a little like Belle right now… I’m not gonna lie.”