by Darrien Lee
“Venice, I want you so bad. If you only knew how much I missed you.”
Her body went limp as his hands explored her body, feeling her hardened nipples against his palm. They stared at each other, realizing how long it had been since they had touched each other.
Venice finally said, “Craig, I-I…”
“Sh-h-h-”
He lowered his face to her nipples and took them into his mouth. Venice arched her back and moaned as his tongue traced the tips, slightly biting them. He lowered her on the bed and pressed his body firmly against hers. Normally, he would’ve taken his time preparing her for his loving, but not this time. Within seconds, he stripped their clothes, protected himself, and pushed deep into her aching body.
Venice closed her eyes and held her breath as the slow rhythmic motion of his hips pleasured her. She’d almost forgotten how good he felt inside her body, but her memory quickly came back. He took her swollen nipples once again into his mouth and sucked them until she screamed aloud. He stared at her as he took her with great hunger and demand. He wanted to see her facial expressions as he loved her.
He whispered, “Open your eyes, baby.”
Venice’s lashes fluttered for a moment, then clearly showed him she was in ecstasy. She moaned slowly and provocatively as he stared deeply into her dark brown eyes. He prodded his tongue deep into her mouth as he kissed her hard on her soft lips. He nibbled his way down to her navel, stopping just above her moistness. Venice was now shivering as she screamed with pleasure. This excited him even more and he reminded her again to look at him. Once again, she tried to look at him and hold her composure at the same time, but she was unsuccessful. He felt unbelievably huge inside her body or maybe it had just been so long since they were last together.
They made love for what seemed like hours and there were plenty of moans and screams. She pulled him tighter to her as she ran her tongue along his lips. He buried his face into the curve of her neck as his love exploded.
“Venice! I love you!”
Wiping the moisture from his brow, she cupped his face in her hands and said, “I love you, too, Bennett.”
Obviously, they had some catching up to do. But, first, they needed a nap to recover from their unforgettable reunion.
Hours later, hunger drove them to the kitchen. Dressed in his shirt, Venice asked, “Are you hungry?”
“For you.”
“Be serious, Craig.”
“I am, baby.”
“Craig!”
“Okay, okay! No, I’m not really hungry. I just want something to drink.”
He washed his hands and got a bottle of water out the refrigerator and sat down at the bar. He watched her as she washed up a few dishes. His shirt was covering the best parts of her, but what skin showed caused his body to stir. He left the room for a moment and when he returned, he came up behind her and put his arms around her waist and pressed his body against her, caressing her breasts. Venice felt his hardness as he nipped at her shoulders and neck. Inhaling his manly scent, she closed her eyes to savor his touch and his mouth.
Craig turned her around to face him, then picked her up and sat her on the counter. As he stood in front of her, he begin to kiss her even harder on the mouth. He positioned himself between her legs and surprised her by sliding into her. She lost all concept of time as he grabbed her hips, pulling her closer to meet his thrusts. She wrapped her legs around his body as he continued to push deeper into her inviting heat. He slowly licked and kissed her sore nipples until she could stand it any longer.
“I love you, Venice. I always have and I always will.”
“Oh, Craig!”
She held onto his neck as dishes and cups started falling to floor. They both screamed as they finished breathless, delirious, and exhausted. He didn’t want to move and neither did she.
Holding onto each other for dear life, he said, “Now see what you made me do.”
“Uh-huh! You broke those dishes! I’m telling Bernice!”
They burst into laughter as he helped her aching body down from the counter. Venice looked at him in amazement and asked, “What happened to you over the last five weeks?”
“Nothing. I just missed my baby.”
Embracing her, he kissed her forehead and said, “I want you to stay the night. Okay?”
“Okay.”
She limped back into the bedroom and fell across the bed as he finished cleaning up the kitchen. Venice smiled and said under her breath, “Craig’s got a little freak in him.”
They made love all during the night. There were more screams, moans, and a lot of whispers of love into each other’s ears. Craig loved hearing her profess her love to him. She hadn’t done it often, but he knew she was finally letting a little of her guard down.
Out of breath and dripping with sweat, he whispered, “I’ll never let you go, Venice. If he wants you, he’ll have to take you and it ain’t gonna be easy.”
Exhausted and weak, Venice responded with a tender kiss. He pulled her securely into his arms and all she could do was nestle her face into his neck. She needed time to recover and to think.
Craig, Jarvis, Jarvis, Craig. This shit was going to make her have a nervous breakdown.
Her body was sore and her mind had shut down. She couldn’t think about it any more. It was a happy crossing over night.
Thirty-Four
Christmas was fast approaching. Galen still had not told Venice about his upcoming fatherhood so she asked Sidney if she minded if she brought it up to her dear brother. First, Venice confided in Bryan to see if he knew. He didn’t, but told her that Galen better hurry up and let their parents know. They couldn’t understand why he was reluctant. Bryan was not surprised about the situation. He figured they would end up together anyway. Bryan still had hopes that Galen would make it to the pros. If not, he still would be okay. They both still had their senior year ahead of them.
Venice picked an afternoon after mid-term exams were over. Most students were packing to depart home for the holidays. Venice called Galen and asked him to go Christmas shopping with her. They walked through the mall looking in the different windows.
He then asked, “What’s Craig up to?”
“He’s still taking exams, but he’ll be finished tomorrow.”
Galen stopped to look at some jewelry and said, “My last test is tomorrow also. So what are you planning on getting him?”
“I want to get him a gold bracelet but I don’t see one I like.”
“Does he have a nice watch?”
“I haven’t noticed. What are you getting Sidney?”
Galen hesitated and turned around, watching the shoppers going by.
“I don’t know. This year is going to be a little different.”
Feeling he was about to spill his guts, she said, “Different how?”
They walked past a few more stores and he said, “Let’s go to the food court. I want to get something to drink.”
Galen bought two sodas and they sat down at a nearby table. He took a sip of his soda and said, “Venice, I’ve been wanting to tell you something for a few weeks, but for some reason, I couldn’t.”
“What is it?”
He continued to drink his soda, leaned back in the chair, and said, “Well…I’m going to be a daddy.”
Venice had to act surprised since she already knew about it. “Daddy!”
Galen started laughing. “Yeah, Sidney’s almost three months pregnant.”
Venice hit him in the arm and asked, “Why are you just now telling me? How’s Sidney handling it? What are ya’ll going to do?”
Galen straightened his baseball cap. “Well…we got married last weekend.”
Venice was shocked because this part she didn’t know.
“Married!”
“Yeah, we wanted to surprise you guys. I told Momma and Daddy last weekend. They handled it better than I thought they would.”
“I’m surprised. They freaked out when I got pregnant. I think Br
yan freaked out worst than Momma and Daddy, but I don’t know why.”
“You know Bryan thinks you’re above all that.”
Venice sipped her drink and said, “That’s crazy! Accidents do happen.” Venice hugged her brother. “Well, congratulations, bro. When are you going home for Christmas?”
“Next Monday. Sidney’s coming with me.”
“That’s good! I’m going to have my Christmas with Craig and his sister this weekend. Then I’m leaving Tuesday.”
“Come on. Let’s finish shopping.”
The weekend after exams approached quickly. Most students had already left for the holidays. Venice spent her last few hours in the dorm packing her clothes for the next three weeks. Venice made sure she had Craig’s gift in her purse. Tonight would be the night she would give it to him.
When she arrived at his house, it was fully decorated with Christmas lights and all the trimmings. It was one of the brightest and prettiest homes on the street. Bernice had put the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. She made sure she took a vacation during Christmas time so she could spend some time with her brother and family. That time of the year could be very depressing for people who had lost loved ones. Craig and Bernice had lost both parents so they comforted each other during Christmas. Bernice let her in and Christmas music by Luther Vandross was blasting. Venice could smell a pine scent from the decorations of the mantle and the awesome smell of cookies baking.
Bernice whispered, “So…what did you end up getting my little brother for Christmas?”
“Where is he?”
“Don’t worry. He took the dog for a walk.”
Venice pulled the small box out of her bag and told her about the watch. Bernice told her that Craig would really love it. She said he needed a new watch.
Then she started singing, “I know what he got you!”
“You do! Can you give me a hint?”
Bernice smiled and stirred the cookie batter. “Sorry, no can do. He made me promise.”
“That’s not fair!”
“Sorry for you, darling.”
“Traitor.”
Venice continued into Craig’s room to put her bags down. On the way back into the kitchen, she stopped to admire the beautifully decorated tree. Bernice explained to Venice that her mother had started collecting ornaments when they were babies.
“Some of these decorations are even older than I am. We put them on the tree every year.”
“That’s really nice.”
Bernice was quiet for a few seconds, then hollered, “I have some hot buttered rum, if you would like some.”
“I think I will.”
About that time, Venice’s pager went off. She looked at the number and noticed it was Jarvis. She didn’t like to call him from Craig’s house, so she went out on the front porch and called him on her cell phone. “Hello?”
“You page?”
“Yeah. What are you doing?”
“Not much. What’s up?”
“When are you going home?”
“In a couple of days. When are you coming in?”
“I’ll be home tomorrow. Make sure you holler at me when you get in. I need to talk to you about some stuff.”
Venice saw Craig coming down the street and said, “Okay. I’ll talk to you later.”
“All right. I love you.”
“I love you too, Jarvis.”
She hung up the phone and turned to find Bernice standing in the door. Venice looked surprised and said, “Bernice…”
“Venice, I didn’t mean to ease drop on your conversation. Craig really likes you and so do I.”
Venice explained, “I don’t want to hurt him, Bernice. I love him.”
They sat down on the porch and Bernice said, “I believe you, but I know something has been going on between you two. It’s none of my business. My concern is my brother’s feelings.”
“Did Craig tell you anything about my past?”
“No, he didn’t and I didn’t ask.”
“Well, I think you have a right to know because it’s kind of complicated.”
Venice went on to explain the entire story to Bernice. She told her about the unexpected pregnancy and all about her relationship with Jarvis, the marriage, the assault, everything. When she was finished, Bernice told her how sorry she was for what she had been through. Bernice also told her that she understood how she was torn between her past and her present. She offered to help her in any way she could. Venice thanked her and gave her a hug. They got up and went into the house for some hot buttered rum. A few minutes later, Venice asked if Craig had named the puppy she had given him for crossing his fraternity.
“Yes, he calls him Bear.”
“That’s a good name. I’m going back out on the porch to see if he’s made it down the street yet. Don’t forget to call me if you need some help.”
Bernice said, “I will and Venice, whatever you decide, don’t beat yourself up about it. Now go on and relax yourself.”
It was a cold evening so Venice put on her coat and gloves and sat in the porch swing drinking her hot rum waiting on Craig and Bear. He didn’t see her on the porch until he was about to come up the steps and asked, “When did you get here?”
Venice giggled and said, “I’ve only been here a little while. Here’s something hot to warm you up.”
“I’d rather have you.”
Craig joined her in the swing with his rum. Bear was trying to jump up into the swing, but Craig wouldn’t let him.
“Let’s go in, Venice. It’s cold out here.”
She agreed and they went into the bedroom to put their coats up. While they were in the room, he pushed her down on the bed and asked, “Where’s my gift, Taylor?”
Bear was barking and trying to jump up on the bed with them. Venice was laughing and screaming as he tickled her.
“Stop! I can’t breathe!”
Craig held her arms over her head and tickled her even more.
“Where’s my gift, Venice?”
“I don’t know! Please stop!”
Kissing her neck, he said, “Pretty please?”
Out of breath, she answered, “Pretty please with sugar on top.”
He lowered his head to her mouth and tasted the sweet rum with his tongue. Her arms encircled his neck as his hands roamed over her hot body. Touching her intimately, a moan escaped her lips and he jumped up to lock his door. She sat up on the bed and watched as he removed his clothes to reveal his beautifully sculptured body.
“Craig?”
“Yes?”
“I’m aching.”
“Where?”
“Everywhere.”
“I have just the medicine for you.”
“I knew you would. I’ll try not to scream too loudly.”
“I can’t promise the same thing.”
“Craig, don’t embarrass me around Bernice.”
Smiling devilish, he answered, “Trust me.”
Blushing, she threw her clothes on the floor next to his and allowed him to cure her ache.
After Bernice went upstairs, Craig asked, “You feel up to a bubble bath?”
“For real?”
“I don’t joke about my bubble baths.”
Venice blushed and agreed. Craig filled the tub with plenty of bubbles and she couldn’t wait to ease into the warm bubbles. As she stepped in, he went around the room and lit candles. She closed her eyes, laid her head back, and let out a deep breath. Craig eventually slid into the hot water next to her and pulled her over in front of him. He turned on the jets, which whirled the water and bubbles around them magically. She laid back against his chest as he gently massaged her body with bath gel and brought it to a lather. Venice gently caressed and enjoyed the massage he was giving her.
Craig asked, “What are you so tense about?”
“I didn’t realize I was.”
Venice turned to face him and said, “Craig, I’m sorry for causing so you so much stress.” “Leave it alone
, baby. I don’t want to talk about that tonight. Okay?”
Venice nodded and laid back against Craig’s chest once again. Little did Venice know, Craig often wondered if she thought about Jarvis when she was with him. Craig decided not to worry about it and just enjoy her company.
It was going to be a long, hard three weeks. Venice was a little uncertain what the future held for them. She knew Jarvis was going to be home for Christmas. Maybe that would give her the opportunity to finally make a decision. It was about midnight when Craig told her that he wanted to go ahead and give her his gift. She sat up in bed and watched as he reached into his desk and pulled out a small box. Craig had lit the twenty something candles in the room, giving the room a romantic glow. He gave her the box, which she opened it with curiosity. It revealed a beautiful pair of gold and diamond earrings inside. Her mouth fell open and she began to cry. Craig said, “Don’t start that. It’s just earrings.”
Craig took the earrings out and put them on her. She never expected diamonds, maybe a bracelet or something, but not something so special.
Venice said through tears, “Craig, they’re beautiful! You shouldn’t have! They’re too much!”
“No, they’re not. I thought they’d look nice on your sexy ears and I wanted you to have them.”
Venice crawled into his lap, put her arms around his neck, and gave him a very passionate kiss. She fumbled with her hands in her lap and said, “I don’t deserve them.”
He sternly responded, “Chill with that!”
Venice eased out of the bed to retrieve Craig’s gift from her travel bag. She handed it to him and he opened it up to reveal the beautiful gold watch she’d picked out earlier.
“Dang! This is what’s too much! Thanks, baby!” He leaned over and kissed her through the salty tears streaked down her cheeks. As he wiped them away, he said, “Don’t ever think you don’t deserve the best, Taylor.”
