All That and a Bag of Chips

by Darrien Lee

  Venice screamed out, “Craig, don’t do that!”

  He leaned over and nuzzled his face against her hair. “You know I wouldn’t do that to you, baby.”

  Venice enjoyed Craig’s fiery kiss in the cool night air and buried her face in his neck until the lift brought them back down. Craig asked if she cared to go up again. Feeling a little more relaxed, Venice agreed and they went for another ride. This time, they couldn’t keep their hands or lips from each other’s body. Venice was really enjoying her evening and didn’t want it to end.

  They finally made it back to the hotel and headed to the lounge. It was a quaint piano bar with soft, dim lighting. They sat in a corner booth and ordered drinks. Venice had to get a soda because of her age.

  Craig put his arm around Venice’s shoulder and asked, “What’s happening on campus?”

  “Nothing much. Classes and test. Classes and test.”

  There was a moment of silence while they listened to the piano player. Then Venice asked, “Craig, do you have any plans for Thanksgiving?”

  He took a sip of his drink and replied, “I haven’t thought about it much. Bernice usually works on Thanksgiving morning and sometimes we go by my aunt’s for dinner. Why do you ask?”

  “I wanted to invite you home with me for Thanksgiving.”

  Craig smiled and said, “Thanks, Venice. What do your folks think about it?”

  “I’ve already talked to Momma. She said it was fine with her. So, what do you think?”

  “It’s okay with me, but let me get with Bernice and make sure it’s cool with her. Now, come on and dance with me.”

  They danced to soft, piano melodies for a while. They were laughing and dancing and having a great time.

  Craig ordered a bottle of tequila to take back to the room and said, “It’s getting late. We’d better go. I’ve got to get up early for work.”

  As they reached the elevator, Venice put her arms around Craig’s waist. “Do you really have to go to work?”

  Craig replied as the doors closed on the elevator. “Yeah, I guess.”

  Venice sighed. “If you’ve got to go, then you’ve got to go.”

  When they got to the room, Craig called his boss and told her that he wouldn’t be in the next morning. He explained that all his projects were caught up and he would see her next Tuesday. Fortunately, she approved his request.

  Venice was delighted. As she undressed, she was already slightly buzzing from the tequila. Craig closed his eyes and let out a huge sigh. Venice climbed on top of him and ran her hands over his chest. She touched him intimately and immediately felt him come to life beneath her. She brought her lips to his as she slowly undressed him. He cupped her face in his hands so he could deepen his kiss. Their tongues danced magically together before briefly coming up for air. Their eye contact was undeniable of their wishes.

  Venice was still a little sore from their earlier encounter, so she rested her hands against his chest. He gently guided her over his desire and braced her hips to meet each one of his thrusts. There was no denying the love and hunger they felt for each other as they shuddered with satisfaction. Venice felt shivers of heat shoot through her body everywhere he touched her. He covered her hardened nipples with his mouth, using his tongue to torment her further.

  “Taylor…I-I love you.”

  Venice stiffened as she reached a peak of pleasure only one other man was able to take her to.

  “Craig! Oh my God!”

  Ripples of heat, fire, and electricity consumed them both as their bodies went up in flames. Venice seductively wiped the sweat from his brow and upper lip while staring into his dark, satisfied eyes. She lay down across his chest and listened to their hearts make the attempt to slow down.

  She squirmed slightly. “Don’t move. I want to stay inside you as long as possible. I’m afraid if I let you go, you won’t come back.”

  Rising up on her elbow, Venice searched his eyes and could tell that his comment was serious.

  “Craig, I’m not going anywhere.”

  Craig pulled Venice tighter to his chest and they fell asleep.

  The next morning started earlier than expected. Venice’s pager went off. When she checked to see who was paging her at 8 a.m., it was Galen. Venice jumped up because she sensed something was wrong. Afraid to call Galen back, she woke Craig up and asked him to call for her.

  Craig groggily said, “Hey, Galen, Venice got your page. She wanted me to call. Is everything all right?”

  “Well, we don’t know yet. Daddy collapsed late last night and he’s in the hospital. They’re running tests on him to see what caused it.”

  Craig asked, “Do you want me to tell her?”

  Venice was pacing the floor, extremely worried.

  “Yes, thanks man. You can explain it to her. Tell her Bryan said not to worry and that it’s probably nothing. He’ll keep us posted.”

  “We’ll be back in town in a little while. You don’t have a game this week, do you?”

  “No, we’re off this week. Call when you get in and take care of my sister.”

  “You know I will.”

  Craig hung up the phone and asked Venice to come sit down so that he could explain everything to her. Venice began to cry and Craig got her a glass of water.

  “Do you want to call Bryan?”

  Venice was taking a sip of water and nodded that she did. She gave Craig her address book with Bryan’s number. Craig called and luckily, Bryan answered the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Bryan, this is Craig. Galen called and told us what happened. Venice is here with me in Johnsonville. She’s upset and wants to talk to you.”

  Craig handed Venice the phone. “Bryan, what’s going on?”

  Bryan explained that their father had taken ill, but it didn’t seem to be serious. He told her that there was no need for her and Galen to miss school to come home. His words calmed her, but didn’t reassure her that her father would be fine. Venice told Bryan that she would head back to campus that afternoon and to call as soon as there was an update. Bryan asked her to put Craig back on the phone. Bryan asked Craig if Venice had her car in Johnsonville. Once he told him that she did, he asked Craig not to let her drive. Craig told Bryan that he’d take Venice back to campus and make sure her car made it back also. Bryan thanked him and said he’d call them later with any update.

  During the ride back to campus, Craig hugged her tightly and said, “Don’t worry, Venice. Everything’s going to be okay.”

  The rest of the ride home was quiet.

  The next couple of days were tense. Venice went to her classes but was unable to concentrate. By the time the afternoon set in, Galen met her after class and told her that their father was going to be fine. He would be coming home in about three days.

  Venice was relieved and felt like she could get her life back on track. She did want to go home for the weekend. She just had to see her father. Galen had a game so he couldn’t go. She had no problem driving home alone, but Craig insisted on driving her. She welcomed the company and his support. They would leave Friday evening and arrive around midnight. The days leading up to the weekend flew by. It had been almost three months since she’d been home. It was going to be good to see her family, especially Crimson. Since they were going to be arriving in the middle of the night, Venice and Craig were going to stay at Bryan’s.

  Bryan and Sinclair had a very nice home. Crimson had her own room upstairs along with an adjoining “play room” where all her toys and dolls were kept. Sinclair didn’t want her bedroom to be cluttered with that kind of stuff. The master bedroom was down the hall from Crimson’s. It had a large four-poster bed, a beautiful marble fireplace, and a sitting area. That was Venice’s favorite room in the entire house. There were two guest bedrooms on the hall. On the main floor, they also had a living room and formal dining room with a beautiful cherry table, which seated ten. They used this room often for dinner parties.

  Bryan’s office was off th
e kitchen. That way, he didn’t have far to go for the occasional sandwich. Sinclair really did have a good eye for decorating. Venice had to give her that. Their kitchen was huge and Sinclair loved to cook. She specifically wanted a restaurant-style oven, which was very expensive. Price was not an option since Bryan loved to eat.

  Bryan’s office was fully furnished with office equipment including a computer, fax, printer, etc. Another favorite room of Venice’s was the downstairs recreation room off the three-car garage. It had a fully stocked bar, big screen TV, and pool table. There was also a small bedroom with bath in the basement. Sometimes, when Bryan had the fellows over to watch sports, this is where they hung out.

  It was about eleven-thirty when Venice called Bryan. They were about thirty minutes away from home. Bryan was still up and told them to pull around back so he could let them into the garage. Once they arrived, Bryan greeted them and gave them the option of staying upstairs or downstairs. They decided to hang out downstairs.

  As they settled into the room, Bryan asked if they were hungry because there was still some dinner in the fridge. Venice wasn’t hungry. She was tired, but wanted to go up and see Crimson. Venice promised not to wake her.

  While Venice went upstairs, Craig and Bryan talked as they watched some film on a player Bryan was scouting. Bryan asked Craig if he would like something to drink. Craig accepted a beer and they drank together. Venice came back downstairs after giving Crimson a kiss. She told Bryan and Craig goodnight and turned in.

  Bryan and Craig talked for about another hour. Then Bryan said, “Man, I know you’re tired. I’m going to let you turn in. If you need anything, help yourself. There’s some soda or whatever behind the bar in the fridge. If you want snacks, look in the cabinets. I’ll see you guys in the morning. Is Venice all right?”

  “She’s all right,” Craig responded. “Just tired.”

  “Thanks for taking care of her for me.”

  “No problem.”

  After Bryan went upstairs, Craig entered the bedroom. Venice already had on her nightclothes. Craig changed and crawled under the covers. Craig couldn’t help but to caress Venice’s face as she slept soundly. He pulled her close to his body.

  She opened her eyes, put her arms around his neck, kissed him, and said, “Thank you.”

  She turned over and pulled his arm around her waist so they could fall off to sleep.

  The next day brought about what Venice thought was thunder. It turned out to be the bucking and jumping of her eight-year-old niece at eight o’clock on a Saturday morning. Sinclair had already left for the flower shop. Venice eased out of bed to let Craig get some well-deserved rest.

  Venice put on her robe and went upstairs to see her adorable niece. When she walked into the kitchen, Bryan was cooking breakfast and Crimson was dancing around the table. When she turned to see Venice, she ran and jumped up into her arms, wrapping her long legs around Venice’s body, almost knocking her down.

  “Hey, Auntie! What took you so long to come see me?”

  “Girl, you’ve grown and it feels like you’ve gotten heavier. Did you get the package I sent you?”

  “I sure did and I love all the neat stuff. Are you going to take me somewhere today?”

  Venice got Crimson to unclamp her legs so she could sit down at the table. “We’ll see. I brought a friend home with me. His name’s Craig.”

  Crimson looked funny and said, “Where is he?”

  “He’s asleep, so don’t be so loud. Your jumping around is what woke me up.”

  “Momma said you and your boyfriend were coming to visit. Is he your boyfriend?”

  “I guess so, nosy.”

  “I thought Jarvis was your boyfriend?”

  Venice was surprised for a moment. “Who are you? Oprah Winfrey?”

  Crimson thought for a moment and then said, “I don’t like boys because they stink.”

  Bryan laughed. “We’ll see what you think in a few years.”

  Venice went over to Bryan. “Can I help with anything?”

  “No thanks. I have everything under control.” Bryan glanced over at Crimson. “My baby girl called you out, didn’t she?”

  “She’s nosy like her Mammy. I’m going to go lie back down for a while. I’m still a little tired from the drive. Have you heard from Momma?”

  “No, but Jarvis called. I told him you were still asleep.”

  Venice swallowed hard. “Thanks, B.”

  “Have you talked to him lately?”

  “I talked to him the other day.”

  “What’s up?”

  Venice poured a glass of orange juice. “We’re all right.”

  Bryan left the conversation alone after that.

  Venice told Crimson, “I’ll see you in a little while. I’m still tired.”

  Crimson grinned. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

  Venice made her way back downstairs and eased back into the bed. Craig was still asleep. Venice always loved to watch him sleep. She stroked his face and snuggled up to him. His body felt so warm against hers and Venice was feeling a little horny. It had been days since they’d done it. She wanted to release some stress and needed some tenderness. She began to kiss his neck and chest, which instantly aroused him. She ran her hand over his chest and caressed him.

  Craig woke up and remembered where they were. “Venice, what are you doing?”

  “I’m trying to seduce you.”

  “Your family’s right upstairs.”

  “They’re not coming down here.”

  Venice continued to caress his body. Craig laughed and tried to move her hands away. He was a little nervous about the close quarters. “Come on, Venice. I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  Venice asked, “What’s wrong? Are you scared?”

  “I think it turns you on to know your brother is right upstairs.”

  Venice snickered. “My brother knows what’s up. Why do you think he let us sleep down here together?”

  Venice became more aggressive. She straddled him and ran her tongue over his nipples and neck. He tried to resist her, but was close to giving in.

  “Venice!”

  “What?”

  She reached under the covers and took him in her hands. Craig flipped Venice over on her back and said, “Stop! This isn’t cool, okay?”

  Venice stared up at him with disappointment. “Whatever!”

  She kicked the covers back, got up, and went into the bathroom to shower. When he heard the shower come on, Craig went over and knocked on the bathroom door.

  “Yes?” Venice asked from the opposite side.

  “Can I come in?”

  “It’s open.”

  Craig entered and pulled back the shower curtain. “I’m sorry. I’m just uncomfortable trying that here. Surely you understand where I’m coming from.”

  Venice didn’t respond right away. She finally turned to him and said, “You’re not nervous about being in here.”

  “Are you mad?”

  “No, just disappointed.”

  Craig took in her nakedness and his body stirred. Seeing suds on her cinnamon skin made his throat dry and body hot. He said, “I’ll see what I can do for you later.”

  Venice smiled and pointed her finger at him. “I’m going to hold you to that. Now get out of here.”

  Before closing the curtain, Craig reached in and splashed some water in Venice’s face. She threw some back at him as he ran out the room. Venice finished her shower and got dressed. Craig also showered and dressed, then they went upstairs for breakfast. When they finished breakfast, they headed over to her parents’ house. As they drove away, her pager went off. It was Jarvis. Venice didn’t say anything so Craig knew it must be him. Venice didn’t call him back on her cell phone. She decided to wait until she got to her house.

  Venice’s mother met them at the door and welcomed her baby girl home. Venice introduced Craig and then went inside to find her father sitting in his favorite recliner in the den. She gave him a big
hug and kiss. “How are you feeling, Daddy?”

  “I’m fine, baby. What are you doing, leaving school to come all the way here?”

  “I wanted to make sure you were okay. You had me worried.”

  “Oh, baby, I’m all right. Who is this fine young man with you?”

  Venice motioned for Craig to come over. “Daddy, this is Craig Bennett.”

  Mr. Taylor put his hand out to shake Craig’s hand. Craig said, “Nice to meet you, sir. I hope you’re feeling better.”

  “Have a seat Craig and, yes, I’m feeling much better. I understand you’re a friend of Galen’s?”

  Craig sat down while Mrs. Taylor brought them some iced tea. “Yes, sir. I’ve known Galen for three years now.”

  Mrs. Taylor took her seat in the recliner next to the man of the house. “We’re so happy to finally meet you, Craig.”

  “Me, too.”

  Moments later, Venice asked, “Do you have any errands that we can run for you, Momma?”

  “I do need a prescription filled and I think we’re out of milk. You know that niece of yours really can drink some milk.”

  Mrs. Taylor searched the room for her purse. When Venice realized what she was doing, she said, “Momma, I think I saw your purse in the hallway.”

  “I think you’re right. Let me go get the prescription for you.”

  After they left the room, Mr. Taylor asked, “Son, did Venice tell you that I used to be a policeman?”

  “Yes, sir, she did. How many years did you serve?”

  “I was an officer for twenty-one years and loved every minute of it. The only thing I hated was being away from the family so much. Fortunately, they turned out fine.”

  Craig laughed and said, “I bet you’ve seen some wild things, Mr. Taylor.”

  “Son, I have to admit that I’ve seen some things that would make the average man cry. But you have to have an iron stomach and be able to put your emotions aside. Especially when you come home to your family. It makes you appreciate life a whole lot more. I miss it sometimes. On the other hand, I’m glad I don’t have to do that anymore. Cops have a stressful job, with all the decision making in tense situations.”