All That and a Bag of Chips

by Darrien Lee

  Venice said, “I’ll be by there when I finish up my errands.”

  Little did she know, Craig had a major surprise in store for her later. When she looked at her list, she realized it was some type of home remedy for hangovers. She picked up the items and was on her way to his house. He let her in and he was walking around in slow motion just like Joshua. Seeing him in pajama pants and bare-chested caused a stirring in her stomach.

  You’re mad at him, Venice. Quit drooling.

  He sat down at the kitchen table with his head down on the table and asked her if she would mind mixing up the items for him. Venice chastised him as she mixed up the remedy.

  “Craig, you know you shouldn’t have been mixing liquors. That’ll mess your stomach up every time. Joshua is in the same shape you are, but I made him go look for an apartment anyway.”

  “Did ya’ll get it?”

  Look at those sexy eyes. Damn!

  “Huh? Oh,.. yeah.”

  “I don’t know what I was thinking. Joshua is crazy. That boy was trippin’ last night.”

  Venice handed him the glass and he finished it off. Venice could tell he was suffering so she proceeded to help him back to his room so he could lie down. The warmth of his body near hers had her on the edge of cracking. She wanted to feel his arms around her.

  “Venice, do you mind hanging around for awhile. I need to make sure that I don’t oversleep for the game.”

  “No, I don’t mind.”

  “Thanks, baby.”

  When he said that, her eyes couldn’t help staring at his luscious lips.

  “See you in a little bit.”

  “Okay.”

  Venice spent the next hour or so in the den reading and listening to music. She called Joshua to check on his progress. He was coming along slowly, but progressing. Venice said, “Joshua I’m going to kick your butt! Craig is just as sick as you are.”

  “Go on with that, girl! Don’t be over there trying to trip on him. You should’ve been out partying yourself last night.”

  “For your information, I was. Anyway, go take a Tylenol or something. You better be ready when I come to pick you up.”

  “You better not be late. Bye, girl.”

  They hung up and Venice continued to read her book.

  After a few minutes, she decided to take a shower to relax her nerves. After her shower, she put on her robe and read a little more. Craig eventually woke up and joined her in the den. When he stood in the doorway, she tried not to stare at his unbelievable body. It was calling her. Jarvis had a well-sculptured body, but Craig was cut also. He confessed to Venice that he had to help the band and needed to be early. She barely heard a word he said because his eyes were doing a number on her and she knew it.

  Venice asked, “What are you doing to help the band?”

  “I just help them set up for the homecoming show every year. No big deal.”

  “That’s nice. How’s your hangover?”

  “It’s almost gone. I’m going to fix me one more of those drinks and I should be straight. Venice, come over here for a second.”

  Venice got up out of the chair and walked to him. “What?”

  She could feel his warm breath on her lashes and the chills shot through her like an electric charge. He pulled she closer and said, “You’re something else, you know that? I really appreciate you helping me out.”

  “I didn’t mind.”

  She tried not to make eye contact, but couldn’t help herself.

  As she leaned against the wall, he played with the belt on her robe, leaned his body against hers, and started kissing the curve of her neck. Venice closed her eyes as warm lips explored the area.

  “Damn! You smell good!”

  “Thanks. I thought you were sick.”

  “I’m okay now.”

  Her lids closed tighter as she felt strong hands caressing her warm skin. She could also feel he was aroused as he continued to run his hands over her body. The kiss came to her without speaking another word. Her legs became wobbly and her breathing erratic.

  “Come with me, Taylor.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “I can show you better than I can tell you.”

  He pulled her onto the bed with him, gently stroking her cheek with the back of his hand while drowning himself in her desirable eyes.

  “I thought you had a hangover?”

  Craig answered softly, “It’s gone” as he kissed her gently biting her lip. He reached for her robe and tossed it to the floor.

  She was still trying to play hard with him, but she couldn’t resist lacing her fingers around his neck.

  Good Lawd!

  He began to run his hands up and down her body in a slow rhythmic motion. Without breaking his gaze, he whispered, “You feel so good, Venice.”

  She felt like she was going to scream as he dipped and kissed her tenderly while probing her mouth with his tongue. Within a few seconds, Venice noticed something was a little different. He was a little more aggressive than usual. He was working on her weakest hot spots and he knew it. She was breathing heavily and felt a throbbing sensation in her lower body. Venice was getting very excited and found herself raking her nails up and down his back. Craig continued to pleasure her by kissing downward toward her stomach and nipples, taking his time with each one. Her body was burning as she felt his tongue play with her navel.

  She let out a loud whimper when he came up and kissed her on the ears and whispered, “I want you.”

  He moved to kiss her harder on the mouth as he took his time tasting her. Craig gently worked his way downward once again to her stomach. She took a deep breath when she closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation she was feeling. Then, without any warning, she felt Craig’s warm lips there. Startled and in shock, she hollered out his name as he used his tongue skillfully in her most intimate area. He held onto her with a strong grip as if he thought she would try to get away. She didn’t know how to respond or feel. She felt out of control and at his mercy.

  Craig was very comfortable as he slowly worked his magic on her. She was still a little nervous and tried to wiggle away. He held onto her in a way where she could not move out of position. She eventually had to give in to her emotions and let her body and mind enjoy the wonderful torture he was giving her. Venice had felt this once in the past but she never remembered it feeling like this. Venice felt like he was going to devour her entire body. The experience happened a few years ago with someone very special to her, but this was absolutely better than anything she could ever remember. She moaned out loud and long, as he continued to kiss her with tenderness. At one point, she felt as if he were making love to her with his tongue. Venice was mesmerized and in a daze. She occasionally let out a soft moan and Craig seemed to be very attentive to what she was experiencing. He made her feel out of control and she began to scream out uncontrollably. She grabbed his head and tried to get him to stop, but she really didn’t want him to stop.

  “Stop…Craig, please! Oh! Baby! Don’t stop! Don’t stop! Craig!”

  She was confused and out of her mind as she felt her body shiver. Finally, he did stop and after applying protection, slid himself into her hot, moist body. She was still moaning when he entered her and thrust his hips for what seemed like an eternity. Venice felt like her body was on fire and she was overcome with emotion as she moved with him. Toward the end of their passion-filled journey, Craig moaned long and hard, then laid across her dripping with perspiration and the scent of her fragrance. Venice struggled to regain her composure, but she was still stunned and breathless.

  Craig let out a loud sigh as he played in her hair, not losing eye contact. “Sweetheart, I know you were mad at me. I’m sorry I didn’t call you. Will you forgive me?”

  “Apology accepted.”

  He wrapped her up in his arms and he began to feel a little guilty as he pulled up the comforter.

  “Baby, I’m sorry I lost control with you. I hope I wasn’t too forward. I’m crazy abou
t you and I don’t want you to think it’s purely physical.”

  “Losing control isn’t always a bad thing. I’m crazy about you, too.”

  Feeling more secure, Craig turned her over and gave her a massage, which should’ve been against the law. He still wondered in the back of his mind whether she thought about Jarvis when she made love to him. Seeing that tattoo always reminded him that Jarvis very much a part of her life.

  Venice needed to wind down and Craig’s massage was the perfect remedy. She felt like bouncing off the walls as his hands worked every muscle that she owned. Venice knew she had someone special and she didn’t want to lose him. The massage lasted another fifteen minutes when he said, “Venice, come shower with me.”

  Venice wondered what else he was going to do to surprise her. He helped her off the bed and they proceeded to the bathroom. Craig stepped in first and reached for her hand as she followed. The water ran over their bodies and he rubbed suds over her back continuing his massage. Venice turned and returned the sensuous favor. She closed her eyes and lost herself in the moment until he pulled her to him.

  “Craig, we can’t do that in here without…”

  “I know. I came prepared.”

  She leaned up and kissed him hungrily. “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

  Craig couldn’t help but take her on another erotic journey. What he did to her in the shower would make her look at showers differently for the rest of her life.

  Some time later, Venice laid across the bed watching TV as Craig cleaned up the bathroom. She decided to give Chanelle a call. When she answered the phone, Venice could tell something was wrong.

  “Hey, homegirl, what’s up? Is everything okay?”

  “Venice! You’re not going to believe what happened to me.”

  “What happened?”

  “I was taking my shower a few minutes ago and my roommate asked if it was okay if she used the bathroom. She said she had to go pretty bad. So I told her cool, come on in. Well, girl, the next thing I knew, that heifer was coming into the shower with me, butt naked.” Venice hollered out, “You’re lying, Chanelle!”

  “No, I’m not! Venice, I freaked out and pushed the shit out of her. She fell back on the floor and I grabbed my robe and got the hell out of there. I went up to your room and called the dorm director. She met me in the hallway and went back to my room so I could get some clothes and to take care of the situation.”

  Venice was stunned. “I knew something was wrong with that girl. She just stared at us a little too much. That’s why I didn’t like hanging in your room a lot. So, what did the director say?”

  “She asked my roommate why she did it and told her that she would have to be removed from my room. She said she was going to have to report the incident and call her parents. I just want the bitch out of there. Girl, my heart is still beating fast. It’s a wonder she hadn’t tried to do something to me while I was sleep.”

  Venice laughed and asked, “When is she moving out?”

  “As we speak.”

  “Well, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine now, but I wish I would’ve had some clothes on. I would’ve beat the shit out of her. I didn’t give her any indication that I was that way. I was just nice to the girl.”

  “Have you told Spoonie?”

  “Yes, I called him before I called you. The director is going to let me know when she’s completely out. I hope it won’t take long. I’m crashing in your room until she’s gone.”

  “Damn, Chanelle, you’re pulling the chicks now. You go, girl!”

  Chanelle laughed and said, “It’s funny now, but it wasn’t funny then. You should’ve seen me getting the hell out of there. I was soaking wet and was slipping all over the hallway running.”

  “The good thing is you’ve got a room to yourself.”

  “You better know it, girl! So, what are you guys up to?”

  “I can’t tell you right now, but I can tell you that my baby just put something on me that I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m still tripping.”

  “Where is he?”

  “In the bathroom right now. If I tell you, you better not tell this to a soul. Not even Spoonie.”

  “Okay! Okay!”

  “Honey, he took me to another level.”

  “What?”

  Venice took a deep breath and said, “Girl, he went down on me and, honey, let me tell you. I’m still freaking out!”

  “Hello! I told you if you’d ever have it done, you’d be turned out. It’s the bomb! Wait a minute. What do you mean in a long time?”

  “Michael. Remember?”

  “Oh! I forgot all about him!”

  “I also forgot who I was talking to. You know all about it.”

  “What can I say? That was one of Jeremy’s best qualities and he could work it. I don’t know if Spoonie’s into it though. I guess time will tell. Anyway, I’m happy for you. I’d better get off your phone so the director can call me. Monique left after I got here. She said she would be back in a little while.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you later. Watch your back, Chanelle!”

  “Funny, Venice. Talk to you later.”

  Venice hung up the phone and laid back on the bed, shocked about what happened to Chanelle.

  Craig reentered the room smelling wonderful. He laid down across Venice’s back and said, “I have a big surprise for you later.”

  “What is it?”

  “If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise. What time is it?”

  Venice gave him the time and sat up on the bed. Craig sat up behind her and hung a small gold heart-shaped necklace around her neck.

  Venice asked, “What is this for? Is this my surprise?”

  He proudly stated, “I wanted you to know that you really do have my heart and no, it’s not the surprise.”

  Venice went over to the mirror to admire the necklace. It was beautiful! She came back over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you, baby! I’ll never take it off.”

  She nuzzled her face against his neck as she hugged and kissed him there and on him lips. His glorious scent was hypnotic as well as erotic. They held each other tenderly in silence and then got dressed.

  Twenty-Five

  The game finally started with several ceremonial introductions, including the homecoming court. The senior players were introduced as they ran out onto the field. There was a slight chill in the air. Hopefully, it wouldn’t get too cold.

  At last, it was the kick off and the crowd went wild. Dawson U scored a touchdown on their first possession. Students were partying hard in the stands and Venice, Joshua, and Monique were right with them. The band played all new songs and they were getting down in the bandstand. It was a fun time for Venice and her friends. The game continued and you could see several of the Greek sororities and fraternities doing their traditional steps.

  Monique and Venice snickered as they spotted many people wearing outfits they shouldn’t have on.

  Monique said, “No Miss Thang didn’t try to squeeze into that dress. Look at all those rolls.”

  Venice hit her on the leg and said, “Girl, you’re crazy, but you’re so right.”

  Joshua asked, “Hey, did ya’ll hear about those two guys that got beat up after the pep rally?”

  Venice and Monique answered, “No, what happened?”

  “I don’t know. I overheard some people talking about it. They said about four guys jumped them and it had something to do with some girl who had a train run on her or something.”

  Venice and Monique looked at each other in shock. Venice grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. They both knew then that Craig may have had something to do with it, but they didn’t share their suspicions. It was over.

  It wasn’t long before it was half-time. Venice still hadn’t seen Craig and wondered where he could be. He had to be there somewhere.

  She wasn’t going to say anything to him about what Joshua told them because she knew in her heart he was involved. Ven
ice continued to wait for Craig to page her when he finished helping with the band. The visiting band put on a great performance, dancing to most of the recent hits. The majorettes were poised and also danced a great routine. But now, it was Dawson U’s turn. The fans were on their feet as the drum major did one of the incredible back bends to make his hat touch the ground. Then, it was on! The band continued to play and dance throughout their routine.

  Next, the announcer said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, please bring your attention to the field where we have four of Dawson’s own. They call themselves ‘Passion’ with the lead being sung by Junior Architectural Major, Craig Bennett.”

  Monique screamed, “Venice! It’s Craig! Why didn’t you tell us he was singing?”

  Venice’s heart was pounding when she answered, “I didn’t know myself! I’m just as surprised as you are.”

  Joshua was eating a sandwich and said, “I knew about it.”

  Venice hit him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  He looked at her and replied, “Cause the man told me not to tell you.”

  The band began to play a medley of famous love songs.

  Craig started out by saying, “I’d like to dedicate this song to a very special lady who’s wearing my heart around her neck and to all the other beautiful ladies here tonight.”

  The crowd went wild and Monique hollered, “Please tell me he’s talking about you! What does he mean, wearing his heart around your neck?”

  Venice showed Monique and Joshua the necklace. “He gave it to me this afternoon.”

  “Go on with your bad self, girl.”

  Joshua said, “That was a true playa’s move.”

  Venice gave him one of her looks as she stood, stunned. Craig and his group hit all the notes as the band accompanied them. He had a beautiful voice and his group blended right in with him. The crowd went wild at the end of their performance. Venice was unaware of the tears, which streamed down her cheeks. She couldn’t believe what she’d just witnessed and she couldn’t wait to see him. This must’ve been her surprise.

  Craig, how could I not love you.