All That and a Bag of Chips (6 page)

“Hello?”

A smooth voice responded, “What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like that?”

“Hello, Craig! Hey! How did you know where I was?”

“I know because I'm standing right behind you.”

Venice turned around and in the doorway he stood. Venice hung up her phone as Craig came into the lounge.

“I called your room and Monique told me where to find you. I couldn't wait until this weekend to see you, so I got off a day early.”

Venice greeted him with a warm hug. “I'm glad. I missed you, too. I'm trying to study for this exam tomorrow, but my mind's not clicking tonight.”

Showing those pearly whites, he said, “I have an idea. Why don't I take you for a ride and maybe you can concentrate on your test when you get back. So, how about it?”

Venice closed her books. “Let's go! First, let me call Monique and let her know I'm leaving.”

Venice called Monique from the lounge to inform her of her plans. She gathered her book bag and Craig carried it for her as they walked out into the night air.

H
ave you eaten?” Craig asked, opening the truck door for Venice. “No, I haven't really had much of an appetite today.”

“Would you like me to cook you up a little something?”

Venice looked surprised. “So, you really do cook?”

Craig smiled. “Of course! If you like, you can study at my house while I fix dinner.”

Venice felt special and couldn't hide her blush. “Are you sure? I know you're busy with classes. I don't want to be in the way.”

“I'm sure.”

“In that case, I accept and thanks!”

As they proceeded through town to his neighborhood, Craig said, “I'm sorry I haven't invited you over before now. We've had some remodeling going on at the house for the past few weeks and it's been a mess. We're just finally getting things back together.”

Venice asked, “What kind of work did you have done?”

“Well, before my dad died, he'd drawn plans to have the kitchen remodeled and for me and Bernice to get our own bathrooms.”

“That's nice. I bet it's beautiful.”

“Bernice did all the decorating. I think she did a first-rate job.”

Venice smiled and looked out the window of the truck admiring the modest homes along the way.

Craig's home was in an established neighborhood. All the lawns appeared professionally groomed. Craig pulled into the driveway and activated the garage door. There was another car in the garage. Venice assumed it was his sister's car.

Craig confirmed it. “Good, my sister's still here. I wanted her to meet you. She's probably getting ready to go to work. Did I tell you she was a nurse?”

Venice was a little nervous about meeting his sister. “Yeah, you mentioned it.”

Craig exited the truck and before he could come around to the passenger side, Venice had already got out of the truck. Craig took her bag and put his hand at the small of her back as he escorted her toward the kitchen door. Craig unlocked the door to find his sister on the telephone. She motioned for them to come on in as she tried to take her earrings off. Craig put Venice's bag on the kitchen table and pulled a chair out for Venice to sit down.

Craig's sister finished up her phone call and put her hand out to shake Venice's hand. “Hello, Venice! I finally get a chance to meet you. I've heard nothing but nice things about you from Craig.”

Craig interrupted her. “Venice, Bernice will talk your head off. Anyway, Venice, this is Bernice. Bernice, this is Venice.”

“I'm sorry it took so long for him to invite you over. I told him you probably wouldn't mind the remodeling, but he insisted that we wait until it was complete.”

Venice looked around. “This is beautiful! You guys have done a great job.”

Bernice said, “Thank you, Venice.” She put on her coat. “Well, guys, I've got to run. I have twenty minutes to get to the hospital. Venice, I'm so glad I finally got to meet you.”

“Same here, Bernice.”

Bernice gave Craig a hug and exited to the garage. “You have some mail on the table in the den and I'm going over J.T.'s in the morning after I get off.”

Craig said, “Okay, see you tomorrow some time.”

When Venice heard Bernice drive out of the garage, she realized that she was truly alone with Craig. He asked if she'd like something to drink and she quickly said that she did. Her throat felt as dry as the desert.

He handed her a bottle of Coke. “Let me help you set up your things in the den. You'll probably be more comfortable in there. We could go downstairs in the rec room, if you like.”

“No, this will do just fine.”

“I hope you like chicken. I have a special sauce. It's one of my specialties.”

“That sounds good.”

Venice felt her heart pounding as they walked into the den. She couldn't understand why she felt such an electrical charge when she came near him.

As Venice began to open her books, she couldn't help but notice the portrait over the fireplace. It was a huge family portrait, which must've been taken when Craig and his sister were extremely young. Craig resembled their mother and Bernice was the spitting image of their father.

Venice's pager vibrated and startled her. It was Galen. “What could he want?” she mumbled to herself. Venice decided not to call Galen right away. Besides, if it were an emergency, he would've put in 911. She also didn't know how her dear brother would take it if he knew she was over Craig's house.

Craig came in to check on her and saw her admiring the pictures. “Venice, I want to tell you again how sorry I am that I haven't had a chance to invite you over before now.”

“Quit apologizing. I can understand that you were having some work done.”

Craig smiled, discreetly admiring Venice as she continued to look at the portrait. He felt an uncontrollable urge to touch her, but decided not to. Instead, he said, “You've busted me. I see you've spotted Little Craig.”

“Yes, you're so cute. It's a nice portrait. Your mom and dad were very attractive.”

“Thanks.” He took a sip of Coke. “I really miss them. I know you've probably been wondering about them.”

“It's none of my business. I don't want to pry.”

“It's okay. My mom died about seven years ago of leukemia. I told you my dad was an architect. Well, one day on a job site, he fell off the building because the builders didn't take the right safety measures. He survived the fall, but he died in the hospital a couple days later. That happened about a year ago. I don't think Bernice has gotten over it yet. She was Daddy's girl, if you know what I mean.”

Craig became solemn. Venice couldn't imagine the pain he and Bernice must've felt.

She touched his arm softly and changed the subject. “Hey, why don't I give you a hand in the kitchen. I also know how to do a little something something in the kitchen.”

Craig chuckled. “Well, put your money where your mouth is.”

They went into the kitchen and helped each other prepare dinner. Venice made a salad while Craig cooked the main dish.

Venice said, “You and Bernice seem to be really close.”

“Yeah, we've always been close. Would you like some wine to go with dinner? I put a little in the sauce for the chicken.”

“I'll have just a little. You know I still have to study for my test.”

Craig got two glasses out the cabinet and filled them up. He laughed and asked, “Am I contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Venice?”

She laughed also. “Not in this state. If we were back in my hometown, you could get arrested for it.”

“If I ever get to come home with you, make sure you remind me.”

Venice smiled and felt her body heat up again. That had a nice sound to it.

Venice took a seat at the table while Craig sat on a stool near the oven to keep an eye on the food. He decided to turn on some music and they laughed as they continued to talk.

Craig said, “While we're waiting on dinner, I'll quiz you on what you've studied so far.”

Venice accepted the challenge and they began the quiz. It seemed that every question Craig dished out, she quickly threw the correct answer back at him. After finishing all the questions, Craig said, “You must've absorbed more than you thought. You got every question right, girl! You're going to ace that exam tomorrow.”

Craig and Venice drank several glasses of wine by the time dinner was ready.

Venice said, “I don't think I should've had that second glass of wine.”

“What do you mean second? That was your third!”

Venice giggled. “Oh, my God! No wonder I'm buzzing!”

Craig laughed. “Let's eat. Maybe that'll make you feel better.”

Venice set the table while Craig took the food out the oven and placed it on the table. The aroma filled the entire room.

Venice said, “This smells great! You really do know your way around the kitchen.” They sat down and began to eat. “I must say, Craig, that I'm impressed. You really do know how to scorch a mean bird.”

“Thank you. I told you so!”

The telephone rang and Craig got up to look at the caller ID, but didn't answer it. Venice didn't know what to feel, other than a sting of jealously in her gut. Could it be another woman? She
hoped
it wasn't.

Craig sat back down to his dinner. “I don't want to have any interruptions tonight.” He reached across the table and touched Venice's hand. “I want your undivided attention.”

Venice started to shiver before shyly announcing that she'd do the dishes after dinner.

“No way! You're my guest!”

“At least let me you help clear the table.”

Craig took the dishes out of Venice's hands. “I said no! Now get out of here. I have this under control.”

“Okay. You can't say I didn't offer.” Venice reentered the den and took a seat on the sofa. Twenty minutes hadn't passed before Craig joined her. She could hear the dishwasher running. Venice turned to him and said, “Dinner was great. Thanks for feeding me.”

“You're very welcome. Would it disturb you if I put on some music?”

“No, go right ahead.”

She watched him as he walked across the room to his stereo, confident and masculine. He was gorgeous and Venice felt that stirring down low. He was always able to light a fire in her just by his presence. His kisses made that fire spread throughout her entire body. She'd probably burst into flames if things went any further.

He put on some soft jazz and returned to the sofa next to her. He leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and hummed to the music. His thighs brushed against hers and she knew there wasn't a thread of resistance in her body.

Venice looked over at him. “Craig, I know you're tired. I'd better go so you can get some rest.”

He raised his head and turned to Venice. “Listen, Taylor, I'm not ready for you to leave. Okay?”

Venice diverted her eyes back to her book. “Okay, but don't blame me if you can't get up in the morning.”

Craig put his arm on the back of the sofa so that it rested behind her shoulders. He was staring at her, feeling the heat radiating from her body. She tried to concentrate on studying, but he started playing
in her hair. Venice let out a loud sigh and, without any warning, he gently turned her face toward him and gave her a soft kiss. The kiss intensified and she closed her eyes, letting her book fall to the floor. O
h my God
!

Craig pulled her closer to him and deepened the kiss through her parted lips. This was the kiss she'd been waiting on. She was unaware of the moan that escaped from her mouth. He leaned her back on the pillows and pressed his body against hers. She was enjoying every second of him as his kisses traveled to the cleavage of her blouse. She hadn't felt like this in a long time and her body was beginning to throb uncontrollably. His muscular body continued the rhythmic dance with hers. She inhaled his manly scent and he was so gentle with his seduction. She wrapped her starving arms around his neck, pulling him even closer. She thought to herself,
I hope he doesn't think I'm fast.

They both seemed to be letting themselves go at that point as he parted her legs with his knee. She could feel his hot breath. Things were really heating up as she felt his hands underneath her blouse stroking her lace-covered breasts. She began to let out small whimpers, which surprised even her. She figured it must be the wine, or was it? She'd been curious about his lovemaking for the entire month they'd been dating. She could feel his arousal rubbing against her body, which made her moisten. She was yearning
badly
! Venice really liked Craig and, oddly enough, Jarvis wasn't on her mind.

Just when Venice thought it was about to happen, Craig pulled himself away from her. She looked at him, confused, as he walked across the room and sat in the recliner. He didn't say anything; he just sat there staring at her. The music continued to play softly in the background.

Venice rose up and asked, “Craig, what's wrong?”

He put his hands over his face. “Girl, let me get you out of here before I…”

“Before you what?”

Craig got up to cut the music off. “Never mind. I need to get you back to campus.”

Venice walked over and touched him gently on the back. “Why are you rushing me out of here now?”

Craig backed away from her. “Venice, get your books. Let's go or you may not make it back tonight.”

Venice folded her arms and pouted. “I may not want to make it back tonight, Bennett!”

He reached for her hand. “Venice, we need to talk.”

She sensed that he was really serious, so she sat down to listen. She had no idea what he was about to say. She hoped that he wouldn't confess about any hidden girlfriend or something worse.