by Darrien Lee
“It will be, Cynthia. Sorry for disturbing you guys.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be asleep again in no time. Love you and I’ll talk to you soon. Here’s Josh.”
Cynthia was somewhat reassured as she handed the phone back over to Joshua. Rising out of bed, he went into the kitchen so his wife could go back to sleep. Joshua asked, “Okay, now what is the honor of this late night call? I haven’t heard a wink out of you in days. What’s wrong?”
Venice sighed. “Joshua, he-he’s here.”
“Who?”
“Craig.”
Joshua couldn’t let her know he knew exactly what she was talking about.
“You mean Bennett?”
“Yes, Joshua, in the flesh. I freaked out, he freaked out, and we ended up yelling at each other. Seeing him again after all these years really shook me up.”
“What did he say?”
“Before the yelling, he told me he was sorry to hear about Jarvis. I confronted him about not returning my letters and he tried to explain, but I didn’t want to hear his lies. That’s when we started arguing.”
Joshua asked, “What else?”
“He told me we needed to talk but I told him to stay away from me.”
“Do you really mean that, Niecy?”
She let out a deep breath and said, “He was with a woman, Joshua.”
Joshua spoke calmly, saying, “Can’t be serious if he was all up on you like that.”
“Craig Bennett is history.”
“Is he? What would it hurt to hear the man out? Aren’t you curious to know what’s been going on with him?”
“I thought you would understand, Josh.”
“I understand that you were in love with him once.”
I never stopped loving him, Joshua.
“What am I going to do, Joshua?”
Joshua poured himself a glass of milk. “I think the man deserves a chance to explain. What do you have to lose?
“I can’t disrespect Jarvis like that.”
Joshua searched the cabinet for cookies. “You think talking to the man will disrespect Jarvis? Girl, you’re trippin’.”
Sitting in the recliner on the deck, she sighed and said, “I have nothing to say to or hear from Craig Bennett.”
“Venice Taylor Anderson! You have got to get your life together. Let me ask you something. When are you going back to Michigan? You haven’t set foot in your house since Jarvis died. You act like you have a death wish yourself sometimes. We all miss Jarvis, but we still have to live. So do you. Do you honestly think that Jarvis wouldn’t expect or want you to meet someone and possibly remarry? You’re twenty-six, for God’s sake. Have you forgotten that you damn near didn’t marry Jarvis because you were in love with Craig? You know I love you more than anything and I’m going to tell you the raw truth. Just hear the man out. Okay?”
Joshua heard one sniff, then another among their silence.
“Joshua, I’ll call you later.”
“Niecy?”
“I love you, Josh.”
“I love you, too, Niecy. Goodnight.”
Joshua hung up the phone, then wondered if he might have pushed her too far. It was too late to worry about that now. He just hoped she would at least give Craig a chance to explain. He was also curious about the woman Craig was with. He would get his partner to check into it.
Venice didn’t know what time she finally went to sleep. She did know Joshua said some things to her she didn’t want to hear because they were all true.
CHAPTER Ten
Craig really needed the morning jog. He’d taken Melanie to the airport earlier and now he was ready to get back to his vacation. He really never went to sleep, but he was determined to keep his spirits high. He dressed in his jogging attire and laced up his Air Jordans. The moment he stepped out onto the beach he felt the calm and relaxation of the island, which would become his refuge. After stretching a little, he started north toward town. After about thirty minutes, he caught a familiar figure headed his way. His heart started fluttering as she got closer and closer. She was in her own little world. Craig tensed with anticipation. As they passed, he said, “Morning, Venice.”
“Craig.”
Neither broke stride but he couldn’t help but turn around and look at her. She looked so beautiful, even early in the morning. He was a little hurt that she never turned around to glance at him. It was then that a pain shot through his chest. He immediately stopped and grabbed it. He bent over and rubbed the area. Breathing was becoming difficult as he dropped to his knees.
Down the beach, Venice was finally able to swallow the lump in her throat. Craig was the last person she expected to run into on the beach. She had hoped to get her jog in earlier than normal, just in case. She stopped to check her watch and turned to look over her shoulder in his direction. What she saw caught her immediate attention. Craig was hurt. She sprinted back to his side where she found a man trying to help him.
Frightened, she asked, “Craig are you okay?”
The stranger asked, “Ma’am, you know this gentleman?”
“Yes, I do. Craig, what’s wrong? Did you hurt yourself?”
Craig sat down on the sand.
“I’m fine. Just give me a minute. It’s just anxiety.”
The stranger asked, “Ma’am, do you want me to call a doctor?”
“That won’t be necessary. I’m a doctor.”
Venice dropped to her knees in front of him and started examining him. Her touch was nothing short of magical. Craig couldn’t believe the effect this woman had on him. His body tingled just from the contact they were sharing. She checked his pulse and eyes and found nothing visually wrong.
“You’ve had this problem before?”
“Yes. I’ll be fine so if you move, I can get up.”
Venice removed her hands from his arm so he could stand. They stared at each other for a moment, then Craig turned and thanked the stranger for his assistance.
As the gentleman went on his way, he turned and said, “Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You came to help me and I appreciate it.”
Venice folded her arms and asked, “Can you make it back to your place okay?”
“I’m sure I can.”
Venice stared down at the sand. “Look, I’d feel better if you let me walk you back. Okay?”
“Thanks, but I’d rather you didn’t.”
Heat started to rise from her neck to her face. She sighed. “At least let me call your girlfriend so she can come pick you up.”
Craig was silent as he stared at her. He then replied, “I can make the call myself if I need to, thank you.”
“Fine! Goodbye!”
She turned and started walking back down the beach, obviously pissed.
Craig stood watching her departure.
This was your idea, Sweetheart, not mine.
Hearing Portia and Brandon arguing over the remote control brought her out of her sleep. She didn’t sleep very well, because she worried about Craig all night. Even though she wanted him to stay away from her, she was still concerned. There’s no way that woman he was with cared about anyone but herself. She couldn’t possibly take care of Craig properly. A soft knock on her door and a tiny voice calling for her made her sit up in bed.
“Momma?”
Fingering her wavy hair into place, she answered, “Come in, Brandon.”
Jumping onto the bed, he hugged her neck and gave her a big kiss on the cheek.
“Good morning, Momma!”
“Good morning, Lil’ Man.”
While Brandon brushed her long strands of dark hair from her eyes, she asked, “What do you want to do today?”
“Portia and I want to go down to the beach. She said she would help me build a sand castle. You’re coming, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t miss it, but let’s eat breakfast first.”
“Portia already fixed breakfast for me, Momma.”
> “She did? Well, you have a great aunt, don’t you?”
Brandon hugged her again.
“The best! Now can we go down to the beach? We already have our swimming clothes on.”
“So I see. Let me get a shower first and I’ll go with you. Okay?”
“Okay, Momma, but hurry.”
After a quick shower, Venice dressed in a bright yellow bikini. Eyeing herself in the mirror, she noticed that having Brandon had enhanced her curves instead of destroyed them. To complete her ensemble, she wrapped a matching sarong around her hips and joined the others for a day of fun.
About an hour or so had passed since they started swimming and playing on the beach. Venice decided to rest for a while and let the kids play. As she walked back to their towels, several men turned to stare. Unlike them, she showed no interest in their wandering eyes. Her conversation with Joshua played over and over in her head and she found it hard to concentrate. She told the kids she was going to be reading and for them to stay close to the beach. Venice adjusted the umbrella over her seat and pulled out her book, occasionally glancing up to make sure the kids were safe.
Down the beach, Craig gripped the binoculars tightly as he watched the men drool over Venice. She looked sinful and forbidden in her swimsuit. His body hardened at the thought of touching her soft brown skin. He mumbled to himself, then grabbed his towel and headed for the beach.
“Mr. Craig!”
“Hello, Brandon…Portia.”
Venice’s head snapped up from her book. Their eyes met and held for a moment.
Smiling down at her, he said, “Hello, Venice.”
“Craig.”
What the hell is he doing here? Shouldn’t he be playing house with his runway model?
Not wanting to make a scene, Venice decided to ignore him and continued reading her book. But, she couldn’t. Seeing him in those black swimming briefs caused a fluttering in her stomach. The silky hair on his chest beckoned for her touch. Heat swept over her immediately and it angered her. Portia and Brandon were enjoying his company as he helped them build the sand castle. Craig decided it was best that he kept his distance from Venice for a while. His emotions were too explosive to chance another confrontation. Besides, he’s the one who should’ve been pissed off, not her.
Later, as he swam with the kids, Brandon yelled, “Momma! Come swim with us!”
She yelled back, “Not right now, Brandon. Maybe later.”
Craig saw an opening to tease, hoping to break the ice. He asked Portia and Brandon if they wanted him to get her. They both agreed. Venice didn’t even hear him approach until he had swept her up into his arms and headed for the water.
Angry, she yelled, “Put me down, Bennett!”
Holding her close to his body, he said, “The kids want you to swim with them. Quit being a spoiled sport.”
Before she could say another word, he threw her into a wave. He knew she was going to come up fighting, but what the hell? He’d held her in his arms and it would be worth the fight. Portia and Brandon applauded after Craig tossed her into the water. When she came up for air, she swam directly over to him and tried to push him down in the water. Instead, he wrapped his strong arms around her, pinning hers down to her sides. Feeling her soft, wet body pressed against him aroused him instantly.
“Let me go, Bennett!”
“Only if you behave and if you don’t, I will dunk you right here and now.”
“You wouldn’t! Why won’t you leave us alone and go play with your little Barbie doll.”
She’s jealous!
Craig smiled.
“Sweetheart, I will dunk you unless you agree to sit down and talk to me. As far as Melanie is concerned, that’s none of your business.”
Anger choked her as she tried unsuccessfully to free herself from his grasp. She gave up.
“We have nothing to talk about, so I guess I’d rather be dunked.”
She didn’t think he would really do it.
Craig kissed her on the cheek. “Suit yourself, Sweetheart.” He fell back into the water with Venice still in his arms, pulling her under with him. A perfect dunk. Coming up for air and swimming away from him, she said, “You’ll pay for that!”
Smiling he thought, I’m counting on it, Sweetheart.
Portia was on the towel laughing when Venice returned to the beach fuming.
“O-o-o-o, Venice, you two have got it so bad for each other.”
She was furious as she toweled off vigorously.
“What are you talking about, Portia?”
Adjusting her sunglasses, she said, “Don’t mind me, I’m only fifteen, but I like him. He’s handsome, nice and has a banging body.”
“And he has a woman unless you’ve forgotten!”
Portia sighed. “Whatever, Venice. Look, I love you, but I’m going out there with them to have some fun. I wish you would come, too.”
Venice finished drying off and glanced out over the cool blue water where she watched Brandon casually playing in the water with Craig. It was clear he had won both Portia’s and Brandon’s affection in such a short time. She didn’t know what he was up to, but had to keep Craig Bennett at arm’s length. He was just too sexy and dangerous.
Why won’t he go away? Why isn’t he with that woman?
“Portia, you can forget about Craig. I’m going inside to take a shower and start dinner. Keep an eye on Brandon and don’t leave this area of the beach. Okay?”
“Okay…Chicken.”
“I’m going to act like I didn’t hear that.”
Portia laughed and went to join Craig and Brandon in the waves.
After her shower, Venice changed into a pair of khaki shorts and a red halter. Dinner would consist of baked chicken, rice and green beans. As she set the table, she shivered, still feeling the places on her body his hands had touched. That strange fluttering in her stomach had also returned. Venice gleamed at the beautiful table setting. A few more minutes and dinner would be ready.
Portia was right about one thing. She was too chicken to stay out on the beach with Craig. She tried to convince herself that her body’s reaction to his pressed against hers was unwelcome. The truth was, it felt wonderful.
“Momma! Momma!”
Venice’s heart leapt into her throat as she heard the serious tone in Brandon’s voice. She ran to the deck to meet Brandon and Craig with Portia in his arms.
“What happened to Portia?”
Seeing the fear in Venice’s eyes, Craig spoke softly.
“She just stepped on a jellyfish, but she’ll be okay.”
“Momma, you should have seen it!”
Dismissing Brandon, she went to Portia as Craig laid her on the sofa. Tears glistened in her eyes.
“We should call a doctor!”
He gave her an intense gaze.
“There’s no need, Venice. Plus, if my memory serves me correct, you are a doctor.”
Her angry eyes met his calm ones as she yelled, “Don’t you patronize me!”
Craig firmly said, “Venice, calm down before you scare her.”
“You can’t tell me what to do, Craig!”
Craig looked at the woman, who was filled with fire.
“She’ll be okay, Venice. Just sore for a day or two.”
Portia intervened saying, “Hey, you guys! Stop it! I’m okay…really.”
Venice grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry, Portia. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It doesn’t hurt that much.”
Craig stood tall over Venice. “If you don’t mind, look in your kitchen and see if you have some vinegar.”
“Vinegar?”
Craig smiled. “I guess they didn’t cover that in med school, huh? You’re supposed to put it on the wound.”
Venice looked him square in the eye.
“That’s low. Even for you, Craig.”
Before he could tell her that he was just joking, she turned and disappeared into the kitchen. She returned with the vinegar and app
lied it to Portia’s foot in silence. A lone tear rolled down her cheek as she spread some antibiotic ointment on her foot. Craig wanted to pull her to him and tell her he was sorry, but he couldn’t…not now. Venice finally noticed Craig dripping on the carpet and sent Brandon to get him a towel.
After helping Portia to her room, into some dry clothes and then bed, she returned to the living room to find out that Craig had fixed Brandon’s plate for him. She didn’t realize she had been in the room with Portia for nearly an hour and completely forgot Craig was there. Approaching the table, Venice calmly said, “Look, Bennett, thanks for helping with Portia and Brandon. I don’t think I would have been able to deal with it by myself. I’m sure your friend is probably wondering where you are and I’m sorry you had to hang around so long, but I appreciate it.”
He came to her. She lowered her gaze, not able to look into those eyes. He raised her chin to look at him.
“Venice, I’m sorry I yelled at you in the restaurant. If I could take it back, I would. But remember, you hurt me.”
His eyes were magnetic and they drew her to him. She couldn’t speak or admit that he was right. He was absolutely gorgeous. He removed his hand, backed away.
“Portia will be fine. Give her something for the pain and she should sleep fine.”
“Look…Craig, I’m sorry also for being so…”
“Don’t apologize for acting out your feelings. I guess I was acting out my feelings, too. I hadn’t allowed myself to let go emotionally after you left me. I guess seeing you again brought all that emotion back.”
Silence filled the room as they stared into each other’s eyes. Venice broke the silence.
“I’m sorry I hurt you, Craig, and I hope you’ll be able to forgive me.”
“I already have.”
“Well, if you didn’t have company, I would invite you to stay for dinner.”
Grabbing the towel, he said, “Maybe some other time. I need to get out of these wet clothes.”
A memory of him out of his clothes popped into her head and she closed her eyes and let out a breath.
“Walk me to the door and give me your number so I can check on you guys later, or do you still want me to stay away from you?”
Those eyes, so intense, so revealing. Venice wiped her sweaty palms on the sides of her shorts, then wrote out the phone number and handed it to him.
