All That and a Bag of Chips

by Darrien Lee

  Venice turned and leered at him. “Thanks for throwing that back in my face, Craig.” Venice was hurt by his words, even though they were true. She walked around the table to leave the room. Craig met her at the table and blocked her exit.

  He held her firmly against his chest and said, “We’re not through talking, Venice.”

  “Stop, Craig! Let me go!”

  When he grabbed her, he hurt her arm and it made her even angrier. Craig saw that she grabbed her arm in pain. Venice knew Craig was just as upset as she was and she just wanted to leave the room.

  He turned her lose and said, “Venice, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… hurt you.”

  He reached out to rub her arm and she stepped back and went around the table, walking away from him.

  About that time, Victor, hearing what seemed liked arguing, entered the kitchen and asked, “Is everything all right in here?”

  Craig turned and approached him, saying, “Look, man! What’s going on in here is between me and my lady. It doesn’t concern you, so you need to mind your damn business and get the hell out of my kitchen!”

  Venice ran over and stood between the two to hold Craig back. She had never seen him like this and was afraid he would finally lose his temper. With her backside pressed against Craig’s front, she said, “Victor, everything’s fine. This is Bernice’s brother, Craig, my man. You can go back downstairs. I’m okay.”

  Victor stared at Craig. “Are you sure?”

  Craig gritted his teeth and said, “She’s sure!”

  Venice told him again to go downstairs. Craig, feeling the warmth of her body, turned her to face him and angrily said, “What are you doing, Venice? You’re making me go crazy!”

  “I didn’t do anything wrong, baby. I’m just being sociable.”

  Craig tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. His heart melted when he saw tears filling them. Holding her securely he said, “Look, sweetheart. For the last time, I said I was sorry. What do you want me to do? That picture doesn’t change how I feel about you or how you make me feel. I wouldn’t risk losing you for anything or anybody.”

  They didn’t move a muscle when Bernice entered to get the tray of wings. She looked at them and asked, “Is everything all right in here?” Still in each other’s arms, they both nodded their heads. Bernice finally left the room and said, “Okay. Thanks for the wings, Venice.”

  Craig ran his hand across her cheek and said, “I’m sorry about what I said. I didn’t mean to hurt you or throw that back in your face. I was angry and I wasn’t thinking straight.”

  She wanted to, but she couldn’t let herself give in so easily. Craig was desperately trying to get her to forgive him. He leaned down and tried to kiss her, but she pushed him off and said, “Stop!”

  She grabbed a pack of cups and some napkins and went back downstairs.

  Damn!

  Craig dropped his head, wondering why he’d pushed too fast. He grabbed another bag of ice and went back downstairs to help Spoonie. When he got back to the bar, Spoonie asked, “How did it go?”

  “I almost had her. I apologized the best I know how and I guess you know that fool she was talking to came upstairs and tried to get in our business. I had to let him know that Venice belonged to me. I told him to get the hell out of my kitchen, but he acted like he wanted to do something.”

  Spoonie said, “Man, I’m not trying to defend dude, but it ain’t his fault. He didn’t know Venice was your lady. It’s not like you and Venice have said two words to each other since the party started. I think every man in this room wanted to get with her. You’ve got to admit it, man. She’s wearing that damn dress.”

  “Don’t remind me.”

  Spoonie was right. Several of the women gave Venice envious looks. She was getting just a little too much attention from the fellows. All the men in the room constantly stared at her everywhere she went. They were asking who she was and if she was with anyone. J.T. tried to explain to several of his friends that Venice was “hands off.” Some showed they were disappointed. A few others acted like it didn’t matter to them. Craig decided to try and ask Venice for a dance and, thankfully, she accepted. Craig’s embrace was secure and hot. She didn’t want to let him know she was on fire, but he knew. He always knew.

  “What’s on your mind, Venice?”

  “I don’t feel like talking right now.”

  She didn’t want to make eye contact, so she kept her eyes closed as they danced. There was a nice song playing, which was very appropriate for their situation. The lyrics had to do with making up and trying to get things back the way they were. Venice was unsure if he’d requested the song. But, as the song played, he softly sung in her ear. Craig’s voice was somewhat similar to the artist’s voice and her body instantly turned to jelly. Feeling his strong arms around her and the love in his voice stripped her anger away.

  She laid her head against his chest and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

  He smiled and planted a sultry kiss on her lips, bringing out all the passion and heat he carried for her. It didn’t matter that the room was full of people. As far as they were concerned, they were the only ones there. She let out a soft moan and he knew she desired him as much as he desired her. He ran his hands over the soft velvet fabric of her dress, molding his hands to every curve of her body.

  He kissed the curve of her neck and said, “I’m sorry, baby. I love you.”

  With their foreheads pressed together, she smiled and said, “Let’s go.”

  “Wait! There’s something I want to do first.”

  Pulling her by the hand, he sat her down in a nearby chair and told her not to move and disappeared in the crowd. A few minutes later she heard, “I’d like to do this one for the love in my life. Ms. Venice Taylor, the lady in red.”

  Venice was surprised, speechless, and a little embarrassed. All eyes were on her as Craig began to sing to her. Craig stared directly at her and she could tell he was sincere and singing directly from his heart. Venice stared back at him as tears ran down her cheeks. She raised up and put her hands over her mouth. Some of the men in the room looked at Craig with envy, but did give him props on what he’d done for his lady. When he ended the song, everyone in the room gave him a standing ovation. Venice put her arms around his neck and they gave each other a long, sensual kiss.

  She whispered, “Thank you, baby!”

  “You’re welcome!”

  “I’ll be right back.” He went over to Bernice, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and said, “We’re going upstairs for a while to talk. We’ll be back later to help clean up.”

  “Don’t worry about it. We’ve got it covered. Get out of here.”

  Craig went back over, took Venice’s hand, and they disappeared upstairs.

  When they made it upstairs, Venice could hardly wait to feel Craig consume her body. She realized she’d overreacted and had to make it up to him. He pulled her into his arms as they entered his room and immediately covered her mouth with his. She didn’t hesitate to part her lips for him to taste all her wants. Her body quivered as his hands glided up her thigh and under the hem of her dress. Her knees buckled as she felt his hand reach into her satin panties. Her breath left her body as he stroked her intimately.

  “Venice, I want you so much.”

  He cupped her hips and laid her upon his soft mattress. They feasted upon each other as their bodies ignited. He pulled away for a moment to catch his breath and Venice searched his dark eyes for the reason he loved her so much. How could he, knowing she belonged to someone else.

  He leaned down and whispered, “Let me help you out of that dress.”

  Seconds later, they got reacquainted with each other’s body. The heat their skin generated was more than they could handle. His warm lips on her body made her moan to every searing kiss.

  “Venice, I’m sorry I brought up Jarvis.”

  “Baby, I can’t blame you. I was upset with you about a picture when I’ve actually…”

&nbs
p; “Stop! I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Let’s take a bath.”

  He started to devour her mouth harder and she began to shudder as his hands kneaded her entire body. He moved between her legs and wasted no time pushing himself inside her as the bubbles and steam danced around them. He began to make love to her and she closed her eyes breathing deeply. Craig gently stroked her hair and ran his tongue up and down her body. He continued to push himself into her even harder as he kept her body pinned against the tub. He called out her name and groaned uncontrollably as he moved in and out of her trembling heat. Venice moaned, “Oh God! Oh God! Baby! Oh God!”

  Craig finally called out to her as he climaxed for what seemed like hours. Venice didn’t feel her own body jerking as she released. Craig held his grip on her so tight, he left marks on her body, which would probably be bruises in the morning. Craig slowly planted butterfly kisses over her neck, shoulders, and face. She held onto him securely, looking into his eyes. Then she gave him a soul-stirring, foot-stomping, smack your Momma kiss. They started laughing as Craig, still somewhat paralyzed and exhausted, laid back in the bubbles.

  “Venice, I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

  “Thanks Craig. That means a lot to me.”

  They enjoyed the massage of the warm water for about twenty more minutes in silence. They just looked at each other and smiled. Finally, he shut off the jets and let out the water. He waded around the tub to blow out the candles while Venice splashed the water playfully at him. She grabbed a towel and got out of the tub and said, “Do you want to go back downstairs?”

  “No, do you?”

  “I’d rather stay here with you.”

  He also got out of the tub and grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his well-toned body. They went back into the bedroom and fell across the bed. Craig said, “Man, I’m tired!”

  “You should be…you tried to kill me.”

  “I think you’re confused, Taylor. You tried to kill me.”

  Venice asked, “Where’s Bear?”

  Craig turned over on his back and said, “Bear’s in his room. Come here.”

  He pulled Venice on top of his body, which was still wet from the bath. He wrapped his arms around her body and closed his eyes.

  Venice laid there looking at him seriously and asked, “Did you mean it when you said you’d always be there for me?”

  Craig traced his fingers along her thigh. “I meant it, Venice. I know you’ve got a lot on your mind and I know you’re torn. I don’t want to make it any harder for you. I’m not going to lie to you. I think about losing you all the time. I feel like I’m on death row, not knowing if you’re going to pull the switch.”

  “I’m sorry. If you want to stop seeing me, I’ll understand.”

  Craig looked at her in disgust and said, “You’ll be the first to know.”

  After talking a little while longer, they fell asleep.

  The party was still going strong and they didn’t even know it.

  J.T.’s friend, Victor, was still looking for Venice and J.T. told him to give it up. A couple hours passed and Craig woke up and found Venice asleep across his chest. He turned her over on her back and unwrapped the towel from her body.

  Venice woke up and asked, “What are you doing?”

  “Sh-h-h-h-h.”

  He positioned himself on top of her and started kissing his way slowly down her body, stopping at certain desirable areas. He then found his way down to the place she loved for him to be. It was there he controlled her mind, body, and soul. She could never handle her emotions when he made love to her this way. She wiggled as his tongue danced against her body. Venice couldn’t hold her composure any longer and she moaned out loud and long. It was obvious she didn’t care who heard her either. She arched her back as he reached up and caressed her nipples. Venice thought she would die when Craig whispered, “You taste so good, baby.”

  After applying a condom, he slid inside her. She screamed, “Oh, baby!”

  He stopped what he was doing, looked Venice in her eyes and said firmly, “Don’t you ever let another man put his hands on you like that again. Do you hear me?”

  Venice, still breathless, responded, “I’m sorry.”

  He knew he wasn’t the only one “whipped.” He also wanted Venice to know he was not going to just let her walk back into Jarvis’ arms without a fight. She stroked his head, neck, and back gently with her hands as he finished loving her. Craig was drained and in love. He shifted his weight from her sore body and once again drifted into a satisfied sleep. Venice, however, couldn’t sleep. This had been an unusual day for her. What could possibly happen next?

  Thirty-Six

  The alarm clock went off at six forty-five. Craig eased out of bed and took his shower before waking Venice. She was sore from the intense night she’d shared with him and it was difficult to move. Craig had to help her with her pantyhose and skirt. Her legs felt like she had run a marathon and loss.

  “See what you did to me.”

  Smiling proudly he said, “And to think, I held back. Don’t worry, baby. I’ll give you a rub down when we get back.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  Once service was over, they took Spoonie to the airport to catch his plane home. Then they drove back to the house the long way and neither mentioned the events of the previous night. Craig wanted to forget about the bad part and hoped Venice would also. Venice called her mother and father and told them she’d be home Tuesday evening. Her mother told her to be careful and to call before she left.

  Venice had a few bruises on her back and she couldn’t wait for her massage. Craig’s touch was sensual and hot. Halfway through the massage, the purpose was defeated by another heated and passionate rendezvous.

  “Craig, you’re going to send me home limping.”

  “I’m sorry, baby. I promise I’ll fix you up before you go home. Tonight, I’ll bathe you in Epsom salts, then pray I can keep my hands to myself.”

  She ran her tongue across his lips and pecked him slowly and erotically on his lips and said, “Thanks.”

  “Venice, you keep that up and you’ll be going home limping.”

  That laughed and held each other tightly, absorbing the warmth of their bodies.

  They were relaxing in the rec room when the telephone rang. Bryan was calling to verify when Venice was leaving. Craig gave her the phone and she informed him of his itinerary. Afterwards, he told her he thought it might be best if she flew home instead of drove. He was concerned for her driving alone during the holidays. She insisted she’d be fine, but Bryan argued the point until Venice got defensive. She felt he was babying her again. He told her under no circumstances was she to drive and that he was going to get her plane ticket. She flat out refused and slammed the phone down.

  Craig was confused and wondering what was going on. “What’s wrong, Taylor?” Without answering him, she disappeared upstairs.

  The phone rang again. Craig answered it in a puzzled state. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Craig. Where’s Venice?”

  “She just went upstairs. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing except for her acting childish?”

  “Can I help?”

  Bryan went on to explain what he’d discussed with Venice. Craig, not wanting to get in the middle of it, said, “Let me talk to her. I’ll get back with you.”

  Craig hung up and went upstairs to find her. He looked around the house for a while, then he heard Bear barking. She was sitting out on the porch in the swing with Bear in her lap. Craig sat down next to her and said, “Bryan called you back.” She didn’t acknowledge him. She kept on swinging. Craig explained, “Baby, Bryan’s only trying to look out for you.”

  “My brothers have been trying to look out for me all my life. The only reason I continue to let them get away with it is…” She hesitated for a moment. “Something almost happened to me a couple of years back.”

  Craig listened, not to give
away the fact that he already knew what had happened. Venice stared out into the yard and went on to tell him the horrible details Bryan had already told him. Craig put his arm around her shoulder and wiped away the tears.

  She said, “That’s why my brothers are so overly protective of me. They think I’m still traumatized by it. I’ve gotten past it now. I did have a hard time trusting men after that, but I’m trying to be more independent. I’m trying to take care of myself.”

  “Venice, brothers have been protecting their sisters for generations. It’s our job. Even though Bernice is older than me, that didn’t stop me from jumping a guy almost twice my age and size when he called her a hoe. I got my ass kicked but I defended my sister. You need to let your brothers protect you as long as they can. Good brothers don’t come along often. I hate that happened to you, Venice. Be thankful it wasn’t much worse and that you have good friends and brothers to look out for you. I care about you, too. Let your brothers do their job. Now…you might want to call Bryan back so you can talk about it. Look, Venice, tell Bryan if he wants me to and you don’t mind, I’ll drive you home. Okay?”

  Venice had tears in her eyes and nodded her head in agreement. “Okay, thanks.”

  Venice got up from the swing and went back inside to call Bryan. Venice had no idea of the drama waiting for her. Jarvis was already home for the Christmas holidays and anxiously waiting for her to arrive.

  Tuesday morning, Craig loaded the suitcases in Venice’s car about nine. She said her good-byes to J.T. and Bernice. Venice felt a little sad to be leaving the Bennett household. She knew that when she came back, she would have to spend more time in her dorm room. Luckily, her grades hadn’t suffered from her spending so much time with Craig. The second semester classes were going to be a little more demanding, but Venice was ready.

  They’d been on the road for about three hours and Venice was able to get a little sleep as Craig drove. He played some of his favorite CDs to pass the time away. Venice woke up and told Craig she’d drive the last three hours if he wanted her to. He told her he’d let her know if he got tired. They stopped for gas and lunch halfway through the trip. The weather was very cold and there was a sever weather warning for snow moving in. Venice insisted on driving the remainder of the trip so Craig could catch a nap. Before he knew it, they were in her hometown. Craig woke up, looked at his watch, and realized she must’ve been rolling. She cut their trip by a good thirty minutes. He stretched and asked, “How fast were you driving?”