I find myself on the west end of the boat, in the lounge area, cutting it up with Mark and Eric, laughing endlessly at their drunk asses advising how to smash my wife for the first time. I take another flute of Armand de Brignac from a passing waiter as these two are in full swing.
“No…no…no, Eric,” Mark blows off with his hands. “You don’t want to take her missionary, you asshat! That’s how you impregnate her. You don’t want wedding day conception. So, you take her from the back, ease your way in there and then make her head break the headboard! Show her who’s in charge, aye?” Mark proceeds to thrust his hips in the air, which to me resembles a belly dance because all I can see is his meatball of stomach.
“Jacobs, bro,” Eric calls out. “You want to pull out all of your Romeo Romance cards. Lick those toes, elbows—and the knee caps is a sure way of blowing her mind! Just flutter your tongue over the cap like this,” Eric flicks his nasty ass tongue in the air as his eyes close behind his lenses. I could slap the shit out of him if my disposition wasn’t so elated from it being my wedding day.
“What is that Mr. Gerrity?” Rayna’s face is wrinkled and she’s wearing a puzzled expression when she abruptly chimes in.
My eyebrows lift at the sight of her beauty, the smile clearly knocked from my face. The last time I’ve seen her was after saying our goodnights to the first round of departing guests. I arranged several marina pick up and drop off spots according to where our small number of guests live or are staying. The first to go was Pastor and First Lady Edmondson, Chef Boyd and his staff, Peg, Dan Smith, his wife and Erin, amongst a few others.
When we turned back into the boat to set sail again, Rayna excused herself to change out of her wedding gown against my personal preference. Her beauty stole my breath. Seeing Rayna in that gown symbolized so much that made heart race in my chest. But I know the gown is layered in fabrics, making it weighty, so I didn’t fight her on it.
Now, seeing her in a white slip that exposes her toned shoulders, arms, and thighs makes me shift in place. Her hair is still pushed back into a ponytail, off her face, and I find myself fantasizing about it being out and flowing, even in the new short cut that I’m growing fond of. Everything about Rayna mesmerizes me, turns me the fuck on in the worst way.
“Oh, nothing to worry your gorgeous head, my Nubian queen,” Eric flirts in his cornball fashion. “You are lovely in your post-nuptial guise—just stunning, your blinding glow. Your exquisite beauty raptures me, sends me a flight with desires that cannot be spoken in front of mere men. They’d never understand—”
“Pshhhhh!” Mark exhales.
He feels just as revolted as I do when I scoff, “Get the fuck outta here, man, with that medieval coquetry bullshit!” I’m partly annoyed and somewhat humored by that corny shit.
Rayna laughs as Eric flips me the bird while glaring at me. She grabs my hand and wraps herself underneath my arm, wearing a full on blush.
“Why thank you, Mr. Gerrity. I’m grateful for your appreciation, but can’t take credit for the glow.” Rayna tilts her head to me and mechanically, I press my lips to it. “Some exceptional man has made me an honest woman today.” I crack a smile.
“Yeah, you lucky son-of-a-bitch!” Lenny comes over, taking a seat on the bench with Mia in tow.
“Indeed,” I return with a nod as I extend my arm from around Rayna to give him some dap. Rayna’s burrowed into me with her back to my chest. Having her in such close proximity is dangerous in mixed company.
“So, how much did this…” Lenny waves his hand around, gesturing the boat. “…shit set you back? I’m sure a few stacks.”
I know we’ve all been drinking heavily and Lenny is no more sober than any of us, because he knows I never discuss money in public. Rayna goes stiff on top of me. I have to quickly think of a way to divert the question.
“Don’t know and ain’t worried,” I gently grab Rayna by the top of her head, turning it to feel her lips against mine even if briefly. “Mrs. Jacobs is paying the tab on this bitch.”
Rayna gasps and her bulged eyes shoot up to me. I wink at her and she laughs softly realizing my humor.
Eventually, our guests dwindle. Rayna’s dozed off, so I leave her to see our last bit off, onto the deck. I sign off on agreements and payments with Tessie before sending her on her way. I dismiss Marcus and Bruce who will be traveling with us this trip. They go down to the lower level for their cabins. Then I confirm over our sail plan with the head crew for our destinations.