by Darrien Lee
He pushed auburn strands of hair from her warm eyes, and said, “Well, Sweetheart, I guess I’d better get you home.”
Nuzzling her face into his neck, she pressed her body closer, not really wanting to leave. She leaned up and kissed his earlobe. Before he knew it, he sucked in a sharp breath. His body couldn’t deny what his heart was feeling. He always had a hard time controlling himself anytime he was near her. Tonight was no different.
“Venice?”
“Yes?”
“I think you’d better stop that. I’m a weak man right now. It’s taking all my strength to keep from making love to you.”
“Sorry.”
He searched her eyes to tell him what she wanted…what to do. She smiled and raised her head to kiss him. He met her halfway and covered her lips fully with his. The familiar sounds coming from her told him all he needed to know. She did love him and he would never let her go again. He tenderly kissed the corners of her mouth before mating his tongue to hers once more. His body once again became rigid against the softness of hers.
“Mercy, woman!”
“I’m sorry. We’d better go.”
“Sweetheart, don’t apologize for the way you make me respond.”
She lowered her eyelids and blushed as she gently touched him there. She felt him shudder against her hand and softly said, “I’m not teasing you, Craig. I’m just remembering how we were together and how you felt. I’m still so scared. I want to make love to you. I just can’t. I’m still so mixed up.”
He covered her hand with his. “I understand. We’ll just have to take it one day at a time because you’re not going to get rid of me.”
They laughed as she slowly removed her hand.
He faced her and whispered, “Spend the night with me.”
She looked into his passionate eyes. “I don’t want Brandon to wake up and worry because I’m not there. He won’t understand.”
Craig raised up on his elbow. “Even though I need a cold shower, I’ll make you a deal. Come try out this Jacuzzi with me and I promise to have you home before Brandon wakes up.”
“You’ve got yourself a deal, Bennett.”
Pulling her from the tangled sheets of his bed, he led her to his large tub and began to fill it with warm soothing water. Settling between his legs, she lay back against his chest and said, “This reminds me of your Jacuzzi at your house. I used to love getting into that tub. You really did spoil me.”
He ran his hands through her thick mane. “I hope I get the chance to spoil you again.”
She turned her head and kissed him on his neck. “Thanks for understanding, Craig.”
“Venice?”
“Yes.”
“Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“Just close your eyes, woman.”
She shut them and could tell he had leaned over.
“You can open them now.”
She screamed in shock. In front of her was a huge platinum diamond ring.
“I take it you like it?”
The tears ran down her face like a small river as she took the small velvet box in her hands in awe.
Solemnly, he said, “You know I’m weak to your tears.”
“Craig…this…is…so…”
He massaged her shoulders. “Since I asked you to marry me, I wanted to make it official.”
“When did you get this? It’s beautiful!”
He kissed her on the cheek. “About seven years ago.”
Venice’s body froze and she turned to face him.
“Seven years ago?”
He wrapped his arms around her. “Do you remember our last night together when I was packing for Japan?”
Lowering her eyes, she answered, “Yes.”
“Remember the cufflinks you sat on that were sitting on my bed after we made love?”
Venice thought for a moment, then said, “How could I forget? You’re not saying this is what I sat on.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. I had planned to ask you to marry me on New Year’s Eve, but Jarvis beat me to you. That night when you came over, I had it out to put in my safety deposit box. I almost passed out when you sat on it. I was afraid you were going to open it.”
Venice turned, straddling his body. “Why me?”
“What do you mean?”
She met his tender gaze. “How did you know I was the one for you?”
He smiled. “It’s kind of like how you felt about Jarvis. Somehow I knew the precise moment I laid eyes on you. You affected me like no other woman had in the past. It was kind of scary and there were times it made me physically sick just thinking about it.”
She punched him on the shoulder. “Thanks a lot, Bennett. “
He laughed. “I’m not saying you made me sick, Sweetheart. I’m saying you entered my soul. No one had ever done that before you, or has since you.”
Caressing her thighs, he said, “That night when you came over to break up with me, I freaked. I’m sure you remember I was kind of crazed. I thought about showing you the ring but that would’ve been playing dirty and I don’t play dirty. I just couldn’t stand the thought of you walking out on what we had. I never got over it either. Nanna had told me a while back that my soul mate would come to me in an usual way. I figured they were making a lot of noise and, at the time, I wasn’t listening to anybody. I guess I should have had a little more faith. I would’ve never wanted you to come back to me this way. A lot of people are hurt because of it and it’s hard for me to be happy about it. You know?”
She touched his cheek. “You don’t have any reason to feel guilty. This is all so strange for me. You know, us meeting again like we did, but I guess it’s not for us to second-guess.”
Craig didn’t answer or look at her. It was obvious at this moment he was feeling the guilt. She studied his face and said, “Bennett?”
“Yes?”
“I don’t know where we’re headed, but I do know that I don’t want to hurt you again. That’s why I don’t think a relationship would be in our best interest right now.”
“I appreciate your concern. That really means a lot to me but I’m really nervous about us.”
She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. “You don’t act nervous to me.”
He smiled. “I’ve become pretty good at hiding my fears and pain over the years.”
She settled back between his legs and leaned against his chest. “So you’ve been holding on to this ring all these years? Why?”
In almost a whisper, he said, “I just couldn’t part with it. I take it everywhere I go. I didn’t have the heart to return it. I guess I was holding onto a part of you.”
Venice looked down at her left hand where the wedding rings Jarvis gave her rested. Craig sensed her sadness and said, “Venice, I just hope that somewhere in the very near future you will be able to let me make you and Brandon happy again. I love you. Only you.”
She dropped her head. “Craig, I want to be able to move on with my life, but it still hurts.”
He pulled her against his chest. “Take it with you and hopefully I’ll get to slide it on your finger one day. Okay?”
She closed her eyes. “Everything about you feels so right, but I have to consider Brandon and my in-laws and how this will affect them.”
He kissed the top of her head.
“I understand Venice and just so you’ll know, I’m not going anywhere. Understood?”
“I understand and thank you.”
She kissed the lips of the man she knew in her heart at that moment loved her mind, body and soul. She also accepted the fact that she still loved him, too.
The soak in the Jacuzzi did wonders for her tense muscles. They finally dressed and headed out the door to beat the rising sun. When Venice entered the house, Joshua was in the kitchen making coffee.
“What are you doing up so early, Joshua?”
“I guess my body’s still on the baby’s clock.”
Craig grinned. �
�Good to see you, Joshua.”
Joshua extended his hand to shake Craig’s, then pulled him into a brotherly embrace. Teasing, Joshua asked, “Craig, what the hell you doing bringing my girl home so late?”
Laughing, Craig said, “I tried to keep her longer, but she wanted to get home before Brandon woke up.”
Joshua poured three cups of coffee and admitted, “Brandon and Portia haven’t long gone to bed.”
Venice looked at him. “Joshua! What have you three been doing all night?”
He leaned over the bar, grinning. “I should be asking you two the same question.”
Craig shoved his hands in his pocket and smiled with guilt. Venice blushed and said, “You don’t ask people questions like that. You are so nosey, Joshua.”
“So is either one of you going to tell me?”
Craig took a sip of his coffee. When he lowered the cup, he answered, “I plead the fifth. But, if you really want to know, we…”
Venice punched him in the arm, saying, “Craig!”
Joshua looked Venice in the eyes. “I’m happy for you two.”
Venice said, “All you need to know is we had a good time.”
He rinsed out his cup. “I bet you did. Well, I’m going to try and turn in again. Craig, it’s good seeing you and I hope to see a lot more of you. Maybe we can go deep-sea fishing before I leave.”
“It’s good seeing you again, too, Joshua. I’m sorry I’ve been away so long, but it couldn’t be helped.”
Joshua came over to him and embraced him again.
“Let the past stay in the past. I’ll hook up with you later. Goodnight or good morning, however you want to look at it. See you in a few hours, Niecy.”
“Goodnight, Josh, and thanks for watching the kids.”
Closing the door to his bedroom, Joshua dropped to his knees.
“Thank you, Jesus!”
Craig finished his coffee, then said, “I’d better get home.”
Venice went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He returned the embrace and they just held each other for a moment in silence. The rhythm of their hearts beating against each other filled in the words. Venice finally stared up into his eyes.
“I wish you could stay longer.”
“So do I, but you need to get some rest.”
Venice ran her hands up his chest until her arms were around his neck. He smiled down at the woman he cherished. He embraced her and placed a series of passionate kisses upon her lips.
“Craig?”
“Yes.”
“I’m about to start making noise.”
He smiled and said, “Well, you better get me out that door fast because in a minute, we’re gonna wake up this whole house and I’m not going to care.”
They laughed together.
“Will you come back later and hang out with us?”
“You bet.”
Venice looped her arm in his and walked him to the door. After one last kiss, she said, “Call when you get back to the cottage.”
“I will. Sweet dreams and I love you.”
As he walked out to his car, Venice said, “Craig?”
“Yes?”
“I never stopped loving you either and I’m going to talk to Brandon and my in-laws and see how they would feel about us being together.”
He strolled back up to her, embraced her, then asked, “Are you saying ‘yes’ to my proposal?”
“I’m saying maybe.”
His heart leapt in his chest as he swung her up in his arms.
“Thank you, Venice. Just knowing you love me makes me the happiest man on earth.”
Skeeter looked at the clock, then answered the phone angrily.
“Yeah!”
“Could I speak to Winston Carter III?”
Skeeter yelled, “What the hell do you want, Craig? And why are you using my real name?”
Craig yelled back, “Wake up, Dog!”
“Man! Do you know what time it is? What the hell is wrong with you calling me this time of morning?”
Craig laughed. “I got my woman back, Skeeter!”
“Who?”
“Quit playing, Skeeter. You know I’m talking about Venice.”
Skeeter grumbled. “I know. That’s great, Craig. I’m happy for you. Now can I please go back to sleep? I have to be in court in a couple of hours.”
Laughing, Craig apologized, saying, “Sorry, man, I just wanted you to be the first to know. I’ll call you later.”
Skeeter rubbed his eyes. “Craig…seriously…I’m really happy for you. Hit me back later.”
“Thanks, Winston. Goodbye.”
“I’m gonna whip your ass when I see you, Craig. Goodbye.”
Craig hung up, feeling like he was on cloud nine.
CHAPTER Fifteen
Back in Philly, Katrina fumbled through her day, still upset that Venice ruined her plan of seduction. Francine, her friend and Craig’s assistant, asked, “What’s got you all wound up?” Pulling on a braid, she said, “Don’t repeat this, but our dear boss has got himself a real girlfriend.”
Francine checked her makeup and said, “You have got to be mistaken. I mean, Craig dated several women, but the only woman he’s ever spent time with was that Melanie woman and he got rid of her, thank God.”
Katrina, dressed in a designer green suit to accent her eyes, leaned back in her chair. “Exactly! I knew Melanie was no threat. It was obvious he didn’t really care for her. So where did this one come from? They acted like they’ve been dating for a long time, too. He said she was the woman who owned his heart and he was kissing on her and everything. I swear I’ve seen her somewhere before. I just hope I can remember where. It’s only a matter of time, then look out.”
Francine turned back to her computer. “Girl, you need to give it up. From what you’re describing, it’s serious between him and whomever she is and don’t forget, he’s warned you before about coming on to him.”
Katrina turned Francine’s chair around. “The games have just begun, Girlfriend. You’ll see.”
Francine, a single mother of a seven-year-old daughter, said, “Okay, Kat, your ass is going to be out of a job and you know you can’t afford to get fired with your expensive taste.”
“Getting Craig Bennett is worth losing a job over. He’s fine as hell and let’s not forget, he has a fat bank account. Anyway, after I get him, I won’t have to worry about working anymore.”
Francine got up and poured a cup a coffee.
“You’d bet not let Lamar hear you talking that foolishness. You know they’re boys.”
Spinning around in her chair, Katrina said, “I’m not worried about Lamar. Craig will be mine just as soon as I get Ms. Thang out of the picture.”
“Whatever, Kat. I’m going to lunch. You coming?”
“Yeah, I’m right behind you.”
The last week of vacation was coming to a close. Joshua volunteered to accompany Brandon and Portia back home. They had missed a few weeks of school and needed to get back. This allowed Venice and Craig some time alone. Their departure was bittersweet for Venice. She hadn’t been separated from Brandon since Jarvis had passed away and was a little worried about his response.
“Brandon, Momma will be home in a few days, so you make sure you mind your Uncle Josh and your grandparents. Okay?”
Hugging her, he said, “I will, Momma, and don’t forget to call me every night.”
“I will, Lil’ Man.”
“Okay, Momma. Bye, Mr. Craig. I had fun playing with you. I hope we get to play again real soon.”
He squatted down eye-level with Brandon and gave him a heartfelt hug.
“Me, too, Brandon. Portia, it’s been a pleasure getting to know you. You’re going to break some hearts in a few years.”
Blushing, she said, “Thanks, Mr. Craig.”
They hugged and he gave her a tender kiss on the cheek.
Brandon tugged on Craig’s shirt and motioned for him to lean down so he could whisper in hi
s ear.
“Mr. Craig, take care of my Momma while I’m gone. Okay?”
Craig smiled. “I’ll take real good care of her, Brandon. I promise.”
Venice asked, “What are you two whispering about?”
“Nothing, Momma.”
Joshua said, “Okay, troops, let’s get on this plane before they take off without us.”
He pulled Venice into a tight embrace and whispered, “Follow your heart, Niecy. Don’t fight it. It had to be a higher power to bring you two together after all these years. Don’t let love slip away, okay? I love you, Girl.”
She looked into his eyes.
“I’ll try not to disappoint you, Joshua. As usual, I don’t know what I would do without you. You have come to my rescue so many times. Thank you and I love you so much.”
Smiling, he kissed her and said, “I know. Now let me get on this plane before it leaves me. I’ll call the minute we get to the house. Have fun.”
“I’ll try.”
He went over and hugged Craig. “Take care of my precious cargo. She’s irreplaceable.”
Embracing her from behind, Craig answered, “I will, Joshua, and thanks for everything.”
“No problem. See you later.”
They stayed until the plane took off, then walked hand-in-hand in silence to Craig’s waiting car.
The next three days, they pretty much stayed in seclusion bringing each other up-to-date on their lives. Venice confided in Craig that she hadn’t stepped foot back into her home in Michigan since the tragedy. He offered to accompany her there, but she declined. She told him she needed to do it alone. There would be so many memories and emotions to deal with. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, she offered to fly to Philly for a visit after she took care of her personal business. He was excited because he had planned to offer just that to her. Jarvis’ father and her dad, along with Bryan and Joshua, were going to be with her when she went to the house to remove Jarvis’ personal items. She explained that handling his clothes was going to be the hardest of all. Stroking her cheek, he told her he wished he could help remove her pain. Holding his hand to her cheek, she thanked him for his compassion.
“Are you planning on keeping the house?”
Lying in his arms, she said, “I don’t think I want to. It’ll be too difficult to live there after what happened. It’s the only home Brandon knows, but he can adjust to a new house.”