by Darrien Lee
Craig came in to check on her and saw her admiring the pictures. “Venice, I want to tell you again how sorry I am that I haven’t had a chance to invite you over before now.”
“Quit apologizing. I can understand that you were having some work done.”
Craig smiled, discreetly admiring Venice as she continued to look at the portrait. He felt an uncontrollable urge to touch her, but decided not to. Instead, he said, “You’ve busted me. I see you’ve spotted Little Craig.”
“Yes, you’re so cute. It’s a nice portrait. Your mom and dad were very attractive.”
“Thanks.” He took a sip of Coke. “I really miss them. I know you’ve probably been wondering about them.”
“It’s none of my business. I don’t want to pry.”
“It’s okay. My mom died about seven years ago of leukemia. I told you my dad was an architect. Well, one day on a job site, he fell off the building because the builders didn’t take the right safety measures. He survived the fall, but he died in the hospital a couple days later. That happened about a year ago. I don’t think Bernice has gotten over it yet. She was Daddy’s girl, if you know what I mean.”
Craig became solemn. Venice couldn’t imagine the pain he and Bernice must’ve felt.
She touched his arm softly and changed the subject. “Hey, why don’t I give you a hand in the kitchen. I also know how to do a little something something in the kitchen.”
Craig chuckled. “Well, put your money where your mouth is.”
They went into the kitchen and helped each other prepare dinner. Venice made a salad while Craig cooked the main dish.
Venice said, “You and Bernice seem to be really close.”
“Yeah, we’ve always been close. Would you like some wine to go with dinner? I put a little in the sauce for the chicken.”
“I’ll have just a little. You know I still have to study for my test.”
Craig got two glasses out the cabinet and filled them up. He laughed and asked, “Am I contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Venice?”
She laughed also. “Not in this state. If we were back in my hometown, you could get arrested for it.”
“If I ever get to come home with you, make sure you remind me.”
Venice smiled and felt her body heat up again. That had a nice sound to it.
Venice took a seat at the table while Craig sat on a stool near the oven to keep an eye on the food. He decided to turn on some music and they laughed as they continued to talk.
Craig said, “While we’re waiting on dinner, I’ll quiz you on what you’ve studied so far.”
Venice accepted the challenge and they began the quiz. It seemed that every question Craig dished out, she quickly threw the correct answer back at him. After finishing all the questions, Craig said, “You must’ve absorbed more than you thought. You got every question right, girl! You’re going to ace that exam tomorrow.”
Craig and Venice drank several glasses of wine by the time dinner was ready.
Venice said, “I don’t think I should’ve had that second glass of wine.”
“What do you mean second? That was your third!”
Venice giggled. “Oh, my God! No wonder I’m buzzing!”
Craig laughed. “Let’s eat. Maybe that’ll make you feel better.”
Venice set the table while Craig took the food out the oven and placed it on the table. The aroma filled the entire room.
Venice said, “This smells great! You really do know your way around the kitchen.” They sat down and began to eat. “I must say, Craig, that I’m impressed. You really do know how to scorch a mean bird.”
“Thank you. I told you so!”
The telephone rang and Craig got up to look at the caller ID, but didn’t answer it. Venice didn’t know what to feel, other than a sting of jealously in her gut. Could it be another woman? She hoped it wasn’t.
Craig sat back down to his dinner. “I don’t want to have any interruptions tonight.” He reached across the table and touched Venice’s hand. “I want your undivided attention.”
Venice started to shiver before shyly announcing that she’d do the dishes after dinner.
“No way! You’re my guest!”
“At least let me you help clear the table.”
Craig took the dishes out of Venice’s hands. “I said no! Now get out of here. I have this under control.”
“Okay. You can’t say I didn’t offer.” Venice reentered the den and took a seat on the sofa. Twenty minutes hadn’t passed before Craig joined her. She could hear the dishwasher running. Venice turned to him and said, “Dinner was great. Thanks for feeding me.”
“You’re very welcome. Would it disturb you if I put on some music?”
“No, go right ahead.”
She watched him as he walked across the room to his stereo, confident and masculine. He was gorgeous and Venice felt that stirring down low. He was always able to light a fire in her just by his presence. His kisses made that fire spread throughout her entire body. She’d probably burst into flames if things went any further.
He put on some soft jazz and returned to the sofa next to her. He leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and hummed to the music. His thighs brushed against hers and she knew there wasn’t a thread of resistance in her body.
Venice looked over at him. “Craig, I know you’re tired. I’d better go so you can get some rest.”
He raised his head and turned to Venice. “Listen, Taylor, I’m not ready for you to leave. Okay?”
Venice diverted her eyes back to her book. “Okay, but don’t blame me if you can’t get up in the morning.”
Craig put his arm on the back of the sofa so that it rested behind her shoulders. He was staring at her, feeling the heat radiating from her body. She tried to concentrate on studying, but he started playing in her hair. Venice let out a loud sigh and, without any warning, he gently turned her face toward him and gave her a soft kiss. The kiss intensified and she closed her eyes, letting her book fall to the floor. Oh my God!
Craig pulled her closer to him and deepened the kiss through her parted lips. This was the kiss she’d been waiting on. She was unaware of the moan that escaped from her mouth. He leaned her back on the pillows and pressed his body against hers. She was enjoying every second of him as his kisses traveled to the cleavage of her blouse. She hadn’t felt like this in a long time and her body was beginning to throb uncontrollably. His muscular body continued the rhythmic dance with hers. She inhaled his manly scent and he was so gentle with his seduction. She wrapped her starving arms around his neck, pulling him even closer. She thought to herself, I hope he doesn’t think I’m fast.
They both seemed to be letting themselves go at that point as he parted her legs with his knee. She could feel his hot breath. Things were really heating up as she felt his hands underneath her blouse stroking her lace-covered breasts. She began to let out small whimpers, which surprised even her. She figured it must be the wine, or was it? She’d been curious about his lovemaking for the entire month they’d been dating. She could feel his arousal rubbing against her body, which made her moisten. She was yearning badly! Venice really liked Craig and, oddly enough, Jarvis wasn’t on her mind.
Just when Venice thought it was about to happen, Craig pulled himself away from her. She looked at him, confused, as he walked across the room and sat in the recliner. He didn’t say anything; he just sat there staring at her. The music continued to play softly in the background.
Venice rose up and asked, “Craig, what’s wrong?”
He put his hands over his face. “Girl, let me get you out of here before I…”
“Before you what?”
Craig got up to cut the music off. “Never mind. I need to get you back to campus.”
Venice walked over and touched him gently on the back. “Why are you rushing me out of here now?”
Craig backed away from her. “Venice, get your books. Let’s go or you may not make it back tonight.”
He reached for her hand. “Venice, we need to talk.”
She sensed that he was really serious, so she sat down to listen. She had no idea what he was about to say. She hoped that he wouldn’t confess about any hidden girlfriend or something worse.
Craig stuttered, “Venice, I-I really like you. I like you a lot and before we go any further, I need to know if you’re protected.”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I double protect myself. I take birth control, but I also insist on condoms.”
He looked her in the eyes and said, “Venice, I know you’ve been wondering why I haven’t made a move on you, huh?”
She looked down at her hands and replied, “Well, yeah.”
“Venice, I must confess. I’ve wanted you since the first day I laid eyes on you.”
“Really?”
“Really! You stirred feelings inside me that I’ve never felt before. Why do you think I didn’t waste any time calling you up? Huh?”
“I thought you were just being nice, since you’re friends with Galen.”
“No, I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to get to know you. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I need to find out what you want. Your brother told me that you were really tight with someone back home and that you were together for a long time. I’m just not sure if you’re interested in a new relationship. You have to let me know.”
“I don’t know what to say, Craig. Even though I’ve been in a long relationship with someone else, we agreed to cool it since we’re separated. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you over the past month and I was beginning to think that you didn’t want to be anything but friends. Look, Craig, I’m not going to lie to you. The guy I was with before coming to school is still very close to me and I do still have strong feelings for him. We were together for four years and we went through some serious drama that I don’t care to go into right now. I’ll always love him for those reasons. Maybe I’ll explain it to you one day but, for now, Jarvis and I are just trying to deal with being apart. We’ve never been separated like this before and it’s been hard. We agreed not to try and carry on a long distance relationship. It doesn’t change our feelings for each other, but we had to face the fact that we’re only nineteen and we have to go on living whether we’re together or apart.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s going to Michigan State on academic and football scholarships.”
“Why didn’t you go with him?”
“I was supposed to, but my paperwork was lost and you know how that can be. By the time they found it, it was too late.”
“Are you planning on transferring to Michigan State?”
“I don’t know. It depends on how things go here at Dawson.”
Craig could see Venice was carrying some emotional baggage with her, but he wouldn’t pry any further. He smiled and said, “Well, Taylor, I’m impressed. You didn’t have to spill your guts like that, but I really admire you for laying your cards on the table. I appreciate it.”
“I just hope you’re able to bear with me when it comes to my past because I went through some deep shit. Craig, I like you very much. I just want you to know that I want to have fun while I’m in college.”
He saw her eyes becoming misty and wanted to hold her and comfort her. Instead he smiled and said, “Okay, Taylor. I hear you. I guess that settles it. I’ve ruined the mood now, huh?”
She stood close, feeling the heat of his body. “You didn’t ruin the mood, Craig, but it’s getting late and I really should be getting back to the dorm.”
He stroked her cheek. “Can I get a rain check?”
Venice giggled. “Is that like a coochie coupon?”
She saw genuine concern in his dark sultry eyes when he said, “Look, Venice, I don’t want anything to happen between us until you’re sure. If you’re still in love with your ex, maybe we should cool it.”
“Craig, let’s just see where nature takes us. Okay?”
He hugged her to his chest and answered, “That’s a bet. Now let me get you out of here.” Venice gathered her books. Craig pulled her against his tight chest. “Venice, I’m glad you came over tonight. I enjoyed our unexpected conversation and I want you to come back over soon. Okay?”
She wrapped her arms around him, feeling her body relax. “Sure, Mr. Bennett. I’d love to.”
He gave her a seductive squeeze, lifting her off the floor. Venice giggled out loud as he put her down. He quickly took her mouth again, which lasted for quite some time. Venice could tell she aroused him instantly and knew that he wanted her just as bad as she wanted him.
They released each other, she stomped her foot, and hollered out, “Mercy!”
Craig laughed. “Girl, let me get you out of here.”
Craig drove Venice to campus and told her that he’d talk to her later. “Good luck on your test.”
She smiled as he ran his fingers over her soft cheeks before he cupped her face with his hands and their tongues met one last time.
Ten
Venice lay in bed, reminiscing about the night’s events. She could still see Craig’s sweet smile and taste the wetness his mouth left on hers. She lay there thinking about how good he’d felt against her body and how much she’d missed that feeling.
Her mind wandered to Jarvis. He was still able to say the things to her that made her fall in love with him in the beginning. He had an unbelievable spell over her and when she heard his voice, she couldn’t help but want to be with him right then and there. Was she making a mistake hooking up with Craig? Was she jeopardizing her relationship with Jarvis? Only time would tell.
Venice turned over and saw that Monique had left a note that Joshua had called. It was late but she needed to talk to him. Venice dialed his number and Joshua answered, “Hello?”
“What’s up, dog?”
“What’s up, girl? Where have you been?”
“You’re so nosey but, if you must know, I’ve been over Craig’s house.”
Joshua laughed and asked, “Well, did he hit it?”
“No, but I thought we were going to do it. He stopped and wanted to have a serious conversation.”
“About what?”
“He wants to be with me and wanted to know if I used protection.”
Joshua laughed. “Dang! Dude must be pretty cool to talk about that kind of stuff before trying to hit it. What did you tell him?”
Venice told Joshua everything that was said between her and Craig. Joshua admired Craig for being responsible and told Venice to go ahead and give Craig a chance. He also told her to go slow because he knew that she was still in love with Jarvis and that Jarvis was still madly in love with her.
Venice sighed. “I don’t want to lose Jarvis. But, I really like Craig. He’s so nice and he seems to understand what I’m going through with Jarvis. I don’t want to jeopardize my relationship with Jarvis.”
“If you and Jarvis are meant to be together, you’ll find your way back to each other. In the meantime, girl, kick it! You’re only nineteen once.”
“I guess you’re right. So, what’s going on with you? Are you ready to come down here for homecoming and pick out some apartments?”
“Hell yeah! Cynthia’s still tripping about me coming. I keep telling her that I promised you and that I’m just coming to check out some apartments.”
Venice yawned. “I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
Joshua laughed. “Are you still going up to Jarvis’ homecoming?”
“I have to. I promised him. I’m going to have to explain to Craig that it was prearranged.”
“Yeah, it was prearranged before you met him. If he likes you as much as it sounds, I’m telling you now, Venice, he’s not going for it. That man ain’t about to let you go up there to your ex. You know once you and Jarvis get together, you’re going to end up giving him some. Where does that leave Craig? You better call him and
let him know you can’t come.”
“I’m not going to cancel. A matter of fact, I’m so horny, I can’t wait to go.”
“See, you’re playing games already. If you want this guy, you better not go up there messing around with Jarvis, cause you know he’s crazy when it comes to you.”
“I just don’t know what I’m going to do. I miss Jarvis. Lord! That man knows how to make me scream!”
“All right, don’t say I didn’t try to warn you. Have you told Craig the whole story on you and Jarvis?”
“No, but I did tell him that I have strong feelings for Jarvis for reasons I didn’t want to get into right away. He suggested we might need to cool it. I just think that if I tell him, he may not want to be with me.”
“So what if he finds out before you tell him? He’ll really be pissed at you. I’m a man. I know. We don’t like surprises.”
“I asked Galen, Sidney, and Chanelle not to mention anything to Craig about the situation.”
“Okay. Well, I know it’s late and you have class tomorrow. I’ll talk to you later. Keep your head in the books and Bryan said don’t forget our tickets and hotel reservations.”
“Okay, goodnight! And Josh, thanks again. Love ya!”
“Love you too, girl. Goodnight.”
They hung up the phone and Venice was asleep within minutes.
Venice woke up hoping that she didn’t ruin her chances of making a decent grade on her literature exam by staying out late drinking the night before. She was still tingling from the affects of being with Craig. She was also preoccupied with the conversation she’d had with Joshua. She hurriedly showered and dressed to make her way to class. Monique was still cuddled up with her teddy bears, snoring like you wouldn’t believe. As Venice entered the classroom, she could see some of her classmates still going over their notes. She realized that she wasn’t the only one who needed a little more time to study. Anyway, she said a small prayer while the professor passed out the test and instructed them to begin. As Venice went over the questions, she found the answers coming to her easily. Then she remembered how Craig had quizzed her the night before. It seemed that everything she’d studied was definitely on the exam. Venice breathed a sigh of relief as she finished the exam and turned it in to the professor.