by Darrien Lee
Craig rubbed his head. “Melanie, I meant what I said. Look, I’m tired and it’s been a long day. I’m sure we’ll run into each other around Philly, but as far as us being anything except friends…forget it. Okay?”
Melanie sighed. “Oh, well, you can’t hate a girl for trying. Have a safe trip back.”
“Thanks, Melanie. I’ll talk to you later.”
The next few days went by like all the others. Venice kept Sierra for Joshua and Cynthia so they could have some quality time alone. One day, while she was hanging out with Joshua in the park, she said, “Josh, I need to get back to work. I’m getting restless.”
“Nobody’s stopping you but you. It’s been six months.”
“I don’t have anywhere to live. I need to look for a house.”
“Here?”
“Why not?”
He just stared at her.
“What’s going on with you and Craig?”
She turned away. “He’s in Japan right now.”
“Didn’t you say something about going to visit him when you got your business taken care of?”
“He hasn’t called.”
He reached over and turned her around.
“Don’t you think the man is trying to give you some space? He knew what you had to do in Michigan. I’m sure he was trying not to crowd you, Niecy. Call the man and go visit him like you said you were. He’s probably worried about you. It would help if you reassured him a little. You do love him, right?”
Throwing a piece of bread to the ducks, she sighed.
“Very much, but he wants to get married.”
“And the problem is?”
“I’m scared and I think it’s too soon. I had a nice talk with Mom the other day about Craig. I showed her the ring and told her everything. You know I had no idea Jarvis had confided in her about Craig. She said I had their blessings if I wanted to marry him.”
“Then why aren’t you on a plane to Philly?
“I don’t know, Joshua.”
He threw some more bread at the ducks. “It’s about time you listened to someone. You wouldn’t listen to me. If you love the man, Niecy, then you should be with him. Everybody seems to be okay with it except you.”
“I have one more person to clear it with…Brandon.”
“Good luck, Sis.”
“I’ll need it. Thanks.”
Later that night after bath time with Brandon, they cuddled in the bed together. Venice felt like this time was better than any to talk to him about Craig.
“Momma, will you read me a story?”
Smiling, she said, “I sure will, Lil’ Man, but say your prayers first.”
Brandon got down on his knees and began his prayers. It always took a while because he had to bless each and every member of their family…Joshua included. He always ended asking God to take care of his dad and to let him know that he and his momma loved and missed him very much. The prayer was tender, sincere, and from the heart. Venice was so happy Jarvis gave her a son and would do anything to protect him.
As he climbed into bed, Venice asked, “Brandon, what do you think about Mr. Craig?”
Brandon’s face lit up. “He’s fun and nice, just like my daddy. I had fun when we were on the beach and he took me fishing, remember?”
Venice ran her hand over his short wavy hair.
“Yes, Sweetie, I remember.”
She watched him as he thumbed through books, trying to decide which story he wanted her to read. Venice felt chills running through her body as she watched him. He looked so much like Jarvis it shook her emotionally just to look him in the eyes.
Handing her the story he had selected, he said, “This one, Momma.”
“Good choice.”
Brandon scooted over closer to her, getting ready for his story. When she didn’t start reading, he said, “I’m ready, Momma.”
“I’m sorry, Baby. I’ve got something on my mind that I want to talk to you about.”
Come on, Venice. You can do this. Take a deep breath and just say it. Go!
She turned to him. “Brandon, how would you feel if Momma and Mr. Craig got married?”
There, I did it.
She held her breath as Brandon searched her eyes seriously.
“Will he be my daddy?”
“Sweetie, Craig is not trying to replace your daddy. Jarvis will always be your dad, no matter what. But, if you ever need anything or want to talk, he will be there for you just like your daddy was.”
“He likes you, Momma.”
Surprised, she asked, “How do you know that?”
“He told me when we went fishing. He said he loved you and he told me that I was just as special.”
Venice’s heart began to ache. How could she not see the instant affection between Brandon and Craig? Every time he came around, Brandon practically dived into his arms.
Venice was finally able to form words and said, “He’s right, Lil’ Man. You are as special as they come. He cares a lot about you. So what do you think?”
Brandon hugged his momma. “Yeah, Momma!”
“Are you sure?”
Brandon grabbed his book, settling under the covers. “I’m sure. You smile when he’s around. When you smile, Momma, I know you’re happy. You haven’t smiled much since Daddy went to heaven.”
Venice embraced him tightly. “I love you, Lil’ Man. I’m so glad you’re my son.”
“Me, too, Momma. Now can you pleeease read me a story?”
She kissed him and said, “You bet.”
Craig threw his luggage on the floor and immediately checked his messages. It took several minutes of listening to Lamar, his grandmother, and Bernice before he got to the important message.
Craig, I hope you had a safe flight. It’s about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening and I wanted to see if it was still ok if I came for a visit. Just let me know. Bryan’s friend, Larry said he would fly me up. I’ll be at Bryan’s house at 555-0608. I miss you. Hope to hear from you soon. Goodbye.
Craig was so excited that he failed to jot down the number so he had to play the message again. He looked at his watch and realized it was about eleven thirty p.m. her time. Taking the chance she would be awake, he dialed the number.
A deep, masculine voice answered, “Hello?”
“Bryan?”
“This is Bryan. Who’s calling?”
“Craig…Craig Bennett.”
“What’s up, Craig?! It’s good to hear your voice. It’s been a long time.”
“Yeah, too long. Look, I’m sorry I…”
“Don’t worry about it, man. Venice explained everything to me. I can’t say I blame you. I know how much you care about her.”
Craig ran his hand over his hair.
“Well, Bryan, care is not a strong enough word to describe how I feel about your sister.”
Bryan lay back on his sofa, smiled, and said, “Somehow I knew that. Do you want to talk to her?”
“Is she up?”
“Yep, she still has a hard time sleeping. She’s been up with me reviewing recruits almost every night. She went upstairs to check on the kids. Hold on a second. Venice! Telephone!”
Venice was pouring some soda in the kitchen when she picked up the extension and hollered, “I got it! Hello?”
“Good evening.”
Grinning, she answered, “Good evening to you, Bennett. I take it you got my message.”
“I sure did. How fast can you get here or do I need to come get you?”
Giggling like a schoolgirl, she said, “I can be there tomorrow afternoon, if that would be convenient.”
“You mean you can’t come tonight?”
Laughing, she said, “What am I going to do with you, Bennett?”
In a devilish whisper, he said, “I’m sure I can help you come up with a few things.”
A tingle ran from her head to her toes when he hinted at sensual promises.
“Venice?”
“Uh-huh?”
“Di
d everything go okay? I mean are you all right?”
Solemnly, she played with the telephone cord. “It was bittersweet. I felt like my heart was ripped out all over again, but having the guys there with me helped a lot. Things are going to be so different. I still feel so lost.”
Craig pushed his hands into fists, feeling useless because he wasn’t there to console her.
“I understand, but we still have each other. Remember? Get some rest, we’ll talk tomorrow. It’s supposed to snow so bring plenty of warm clothes and call me in the morning and let me know what time you’ll arrive. I want to have dinner waiting for you when you get here.”
Feeling a little mischievous, she asked, “Bennett, are you planning on cooking for me?”
“Sweetheart, I plan to do all sorts of delicious things for you.”
Her legs turned to jelly remembering how Craig Bennett could back up every word he said.
“Well, I guess I’d better pack and get some rest.”
Fighting for strength, he said, “Yes, Darling. Make sure you get plenty of rest because we’re going to be very busy once you get here. I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you, too, Bennett. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.”
Craig put the phone back on the cradle, feeling his heart swell with love. He also noticed that it had been weeks since he’d had chest pains. The anxiety he was feeling had subsided since he and Venice had gotten back together.
The next morning, Venice called and gave Craig her flight information. He went into his office to take care of a few details before cutting his day short. His employees noticed his cheerful attitude but had no idea what was the source of it. However, they definitely wanted to know. Craig glanced at his watch and called for his assistant to come into his office.
“Francine, reschedule my meeting with Greg Baxter until next week. That should clear my book until Monday.”
She recorded the notes in her planner, then asked, “Craig, is everything okay? You seem preoccupied.”
He twirled around in his chair. “Couldn’t be better, but thanks for your concern.”
Francine sat down in the soft leather chair and said, “Okay, Craig, don’t forget the Architects Banquet next month.”
“I won’t forget. Black tie, correct?”
She closed her appointment book. “Yes, and hopefully this year I will be ordering tickets for you and a date.”
Smiling, he said, “Francine, you worry too much about my love life. I’ll be just fine.”
“You have to get out more, Craig. I’m starting to worry about you. All work and no play will make Craig a dull boy.”
Laughing, he said, “I do date, Francine.”
She put her hands on her hips. “If you’re talking about that Melanie woman, that was a waste of your time.”
He stood, smiling. “I take it you don’t like her very much.”
“Let’s just say I don’t think she’s the one for you. She’s so superficial and fake.”
Craig walked around to Francine, kissed her on the cheek, and said, “I appreciate your honesty and I’m taking the rest of the day off.”
She turned with a stunned look on her face. “Is everything okay?”
He grabbed his coat and briefcase. “Just fine, Francine. I won’t be in tomorrow either. I’ve already spoken with Lamar so, unless it’s an emergency, I don’t want to be disturbed. Okay?”
With a grin on her face, she said, “Okay, Craig, and have a nice day off.”
Putting on his jacket, he said, “I plan to. See you Monday.”
“Goodbye, Craig.”
CHAPTER Eighteen
A few hours later, Francine and Katrina sat in a restaurant a few blocks from the office.
“Francine, why is he taking the day off tomorrow?”
“Kat, he didn’t tell me and I didn’t ask. The man’s my boss. I wasn’t going to ask him about his personal life.”
“Well, did he mention anything about going out of town?”
“I said he didn’t tell me but he was smiling when I asked him if I will be ordering two tickets for the banquet this year.”
Katrina sat back in her seat.
“Something’s up and I know that woman is involved. He’s been a different person. He’s not focused on business as much as he was before he took that vacation. Yeah, something’s up.”
Francine took a sip of tea.
“Katrina, if the man wanted you he would have made some type of move by now. You need to face the fact that he’s not interested in an affair with you.”
Katrina took a bite of her lunch.
“I bet he’s going somewhere to be with her. I might just have to pay Craig Bennett a surprise visit to his house tomorrow to see for myself.”
Francine dropped her fork.
“You’re not going to stop, are you, Kat? You’re going to make that man have you arrested for stalking or, better yet, fire you.”
“Whatever! I have got to find out if he’s meeting up with that…that woman!”
Craig stood at the door waiting for Venice to step off the plane. Seeing her again made him excited and nervous. He still had to make sure he didn’t push her especially since she’d just gotten back from leaving her life with Jarvis behind her. She entered the doorway and smiled. Craig’s heart skipped a beat as he watched her walk down the steps. He scanned her body from head to toe. The faded jeans she wore hugged every delicious curve she owned, and the tangerine-colored sweater didn’t hide the fullness of her breasts either. His mouth became dry and his groin hardened from the mere sight of her. He starved to hold her in his arms and kiss every inch of her soft brown skin.
He mumbled, “Mercy.”
As they approached, Craig extended his hand to Larry, thanking him for flying Venice to Philly. Venice stood next to Larry, waiting to greet her man…her man. She liked the sound of it, but was marrying Craig still the right thing to do? Larry kissed Venice on the cheek and told her he would pick her up when she was ready. Craig offered to pay for Larry’s hotel room for the night, but he declined, saying he had a good friend in Philly he was staying with. After Larry left, Venice walked up and lay her head against his chest and closed her eyes. He immediately embraced her.
“Let’s go home before the snow gets any worst.”
Looking up into his loving eyes, she said, “Sounds good to me, but may I have a kiss first?”
He smiled and lowered his head. Pulling him in closer, she let the warmth of his body ignite hers. She moaned and he groaned, then he broke away in order to breathe.
“Let’s go, Sweetheart.”
Venice gasped when she laid eyes upon Craig’s beautiful two-story home. It was lovelier than she could have imagined.
Pulling into the long driveway, he asked, “So, what do you think?”
“I think it’s gorgeous! Did you do the landscaping yourself?”
Proudly, Craig said, “Yeah, but J.T. and Skeeter helped. Wait until you see the backyard. My niece and nephew love it. I made sure I had plenty of yard for them to play in.”
He pulled his SUV into the garage next to a champagne-colored Lexus. Venice asked, “Is this yours, too?”
“Yes, but I don’t drive it much. You’re welcome to it anytime you want.”
About that time, Katrina, who had been slouched down in her car for about an hour, raised up.
“Just what I suspected. That wench is in town. We’ll see about this.”
Upset that Venice was with Craig, she drove off spinning her wheels in the snow.
Venice opened her door and climbed out before he could come around the truck.
He said, “I see you’re still an independent woman. I was going to open the door for you.”
Grinning, she answered, “I’m sorry. Do you want me to get back in?”
“You’re a comedian, too.”
Turning away, she grabbed one of her bags and proceeded to the kitchen door. He shook his head and followed so he could unlock it. Before dinner, Cr
aig gave her the full tour of his home. Each room was decorated in different themes from Japanese and African art to a New Orleans jazz/ Mardi Gras theme. Her favorite was his family room, where a baby-grand piano rested in the corner. A large marble fireplace was the centerpiece. Large, soft leather furniture in an ivory color gave the room a warm feeling. As she stood there enjoying the fire, she remembered that Craig had a beautiful voice. So good that, at one time, she suggested for him to pursue a singing career. Hopefully, she would get to hear his angelic voice before she left next week. Upstairs, he showed her each of his four bedrooms. One was definitely a child’s room. He had mentioned his niece and nephew visited often. The last room was his master bedroom and it was breathtaking. The large poster bed was decorated in gold and ivory. The carpet was plush ivory with a beautiful gold area rug on top. At the foot of his bed was a padded cedar chest. As she walked around admiring the room, she noticed he had a fireplace also.
“Well, Venice, do you think you’ll be comfortable here?”
She turned to him.
“Craig, this is absolutely beautiful. These colors go wonderful together. I see you still have your African statues. This black, ivory and gold is definitely you.”
He folded his arms and leaned against the doorway.
“I’m glad you approve.”
She turned. “Without a doubt. Will you build a fire tonight?”
Coming to stand beside her, he said, “Whatever you want. I want you to be as comfortable as possible. The bathroom’s over here.”
He took her hand and as they walked inside, just the size of it overwhelmed her. The decor of the bathroom matched the bedroom as well. She couldn’t wait to get into that huge garden tub. She noticed Craig still loved having candles and greenery around it.
“Bennett, you are such a romantic. Don’t ever change.”
He embraced her from behind, resting his chin on her head, and said, “As long as I have you, Sweetheart, I plan on staying a romantic.”
She turned with tears in her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
He held her tightly to his chest. “No, thank you for letting me back into your heart. I will love you forever.”
He kissed her with all the passion in his soul, causing her to feel his inflamed love. She pulled him closer as his warm lips danced over hers, giving her the very essence of him. No man could kiss a woman like this and not love her with all his soul. At that moment, she knew she could no longer deny what everyone had been telling her. This love…their love was destined to be.
