Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82109 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82109 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Sway moaned again, this time it held a hint of anguish. “I can’t. I have to get home. I’ve worked twelve hours today so I probably smell like a rank dog, and my mom’s nurse leaves at nine.”
You smell wonderful. “I understand.” Brian did, but he hated it. He had an unrealistic sinking feeling that he’d have to wait another ten weeks before he saw Sway again.
Sway took his hands from Brian’s throat. He looked like he was in a deep internal debate, but he finally stood up straighter and turned those hypnotizing eyes on him. “Dinner sounds nice. Dana has my number. Call me… soon.”
I’m calling, alright. As soon as I get home and get in bed.
Brian walked Sway out the room, his hand held tightly in his. The front room was buzzing with activity. He didn’t know how they’d ignored his team’s loud, rowdy voices, but he swore he hadn’t heard a word back there. Only the sounds of Sway’s song-like voice. Brian disregarded everyone’s curious looks and the way the conversation came to a dead halt when they walked by. He could see Vaughan sitting on Duke’s lap out of the corner of his eye. Quick was rubbing Cayson’s back while he redressed the bandage on Dana’s head. Ford close by Dana’s side. They all had someone.
Finally. This was what he’d chased Sway down for that night at the club. He just wanted a chance. A chance to be happy, too. To not be alone in his silence.
Outside, he opened Sway’s car door, but before he let him get in, he had to have him against his body one more time. He wanted a kiss, wanted a deep, lasting taste. He’d managed to wait this long to have Sway, he’d grit his teeth and wait a little longer. The more the wine aged, the sweeter it tasted. He’d have those pretty lips soon enough. He nuzzled the side of Sway’s face again, kissing his cheek, lingering there a long time. It was how he communicated. His touches were his words, his love letter. He was telling Sway he was so thankful for this magical night and he couldn’t wait to see him again.
Sway leaned back like he’d understood. Crazy thing is, Brian believed Sway truly could hear him. Sway rose up on his tip toes and gently brushed his lips across Brian’s. A tease of a kiss. “Soon,” he said simply against his lips then ducked inside the car, closing the door.
Brian stepped back and let Sway drive off. Watching him disappear into the chilly night, Brian hated that he didn’t know where Sway lived, and he suddenly had an overwhelming feeling to take off running after him. He’d see him again. He deserved this chance. He’d lived through hell. It was time for his slice of heaven. His throat made a clipped noise of longing. Frightened and surprised at the sound, he gripped his neck, swallowing hard at the weird vibrations he’d felt. Had he imagined the sound? He didn’t know how long he stood there, his breath ghosting in front of him, stunned. Brian jerked his head up when his brother finally called for him to come back inside. He hadn’t realized he’d been staring at where he’d last seen Sway’s fading taillights.
Sway. Maybe he was the one. The one who held the key.
Dana
“Thanks Doc, I appreciate it. But, seriously. How long do I have to be on these funky pills?”
Cayson put the last of his supplies in his travel bag. “As long as you need them. Switch to over-the-counter when you’re ready. Don’t suffer though, Dana. You need to be able to rest comfortably to heal. Concussions are a serious matter. You still want to be careful moving around the house. Can’t have any dizzy spells where you trip and fall.”
“I know, Cayson, you explained all that at the hospital. But my head is doing better.” Dana sank deeper into the couch and leaned into Ford’s warm side. He made everything so much better. Dana could deal with the discomfort. He just needed Ford’s touch. To be engulfed in his scent. Okay, it was time for everyone to leave. He appreciated the visit, but he was ready for bed. He’d gotten all his well wishes. His bosses congratulated him on a kick-ass job, Duke also chastising him for being a bit too overzealous. Duke’s partner, Vaughan, brought him five new blu-rays to watch while he was on vacation.
These men gathered in his living room were his family. His team. He loved hunting beside such warriors. He loved all of them with all his heart, but no offense, he needed a break. His mind and his body burned for Ford. They needed time to work on their relationship. It was still so new and fresh, regardless that it’d been simmering for three years. They needed privacy.