Page 126 of Notes About Vodka

We pile in, still dressed in our wedding attire, and it’s like the whole place comes alive. The band plays something upbeat, and Val pulls me onto the dance floor, his eyes sparkling as we move together.

"I think we’re stealing the spotlight," Val whispers in my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

I laugh, glancing around at the crowd cheering us on. "Let them watch. It’s our day."

The entire bar cheers for us, strangers raising their drinks, and I’ve never felt so surrounded by love. Skipper and Sebastian join us on the dance floor, their goofy dance moves making everyone laugh. Rhea claps along, her smile wide as she watches Sebastian twirl Skipper dramatically.

"Think they practiced that?" Val asks, nodding toward them.

"Definitely," I say, giggling. "They've had too much time on their hands."

Eventually, we leave Schooners, walking hand in hand down the beach, the moonlight casting a silver glow across the sand. The air is cool, the waves lapping gently at our feet as wemake our way back to the condo where everyone is staying. Val slips his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer, and I lean into him, resting my head against his shoulder.

“So, Mrs. Zaitseva,” he murmurs, his voice low and full of warmth. “How was your day?”

I laugh softly, lifting my head to look at him. “Perfect,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Absolutely perfect.”

He leans down, pressing his lips to mine, and it’s soft, slow, filled with all the love we’ve ever felt for each other. The sound of the ocean surrounds us, the stars shining down, and it feels like everything we’ve ever dreamed of has come true.

We reach the condo, and the sounds of laughter still spill out from inside. Skipper is leading a game of charades, his exaggerated gestures causing an uproar of laughter. Val and I sneak in quietly, not wanting to disturb the fun but happy to just watch our friends enjoy themselves.

“Think they’ll notice if we disappear?” Val whispers, his lips brushing against my ear.

I smile, shaking my head. “Probably not. But let’s stay for a bit. I like seeing them like this.”

He nods, pulling me closer as we find a spot on the edge of the room, watching as Skipper dramatically pretends to be a flamingo. Rhea is laughing so hard she’s crying, and Sebastian is trying to guess between fits of laughter. The warmth of the room, the love of our friends, the man beside me—it’s everything I could have ever wanted.

Eventually, the night winds down, and one by one, our friends head to bed. Val and I step outside onto the balcony, the warm ocean breeze brushing against our skin. The gulf stretches out before us. Dark and endless to water reflects the full moon, causing the world around us to be brighter than it should be. I lean against the railing, taking it all in.

Val comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around mywaist. “I love you,” he says softly, his voice almost lost in the sound of the waves.

I close my eyes, leaning back against him. “I love you, too.”

Val pulls me away from the railing.

“Hop up here,” he says, helping me into a tall chair.

Val steps in between my legs, reaching under the dress I’m wearing for my underwear.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“Creating a moment worth remembering with my wife,” he replies as he leans in to kiss me. I know then exactly what he wants and I want it too.

I help him wiggle off my panties and reach for the edge of his pants as he strokes his fingers through my ready and wet pussy.

“Val,” I moan when two fingers slip inside me. He curves them, rubbing the bundle of nerves that sets me off every time.

“Come for me, Laura.”

“But everyone will hear.”

“Let them.”

His thumb starts to massage my clit in my favorite motions and I’m done. I come on his hand, my pussy clenching his fingers, wanting more.

Val pulls his fingers out of me and I watch him start to lick them clean. It’s so fucking sexy as those dark brown eyes look into mine. I shudder when he brings the fingers to my lips so I can lick the rest of me off him. The salty earthiness of my taste is only heightened when Val’s tongue replaces his fingers. I suck the muscle into my mouth, loving how he knows just how to kiss me when I need it. And now I need him kissing my mouth like I want him fucking my pussy.Good, long, and hard.

I hear Val’s pants fall to the balcony floor, the metal belt buckle scraping on the concrete as he kicks them to the side.

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