All That and a Bag of Chips (10 page)

Monique butted in. “If you've got a man, why isn't he here with you? Your so-called man is down at that fancy college sticking his rod into some tenderoni.”

Venice told Monique to chill out and to quit being so ignorant and thoughtless.

“Chanelle, if you want to be faithful to your man, cool. But I
don't want you to miss out on any fun while you're here. It's not going to hurt you to go out with other guys. It's up to you to determine how far you're willing to go with Spoonie or anyone else.”

“I know, Venice. It's hard to be apart. You definitely know what I'm talking about.”

“Don't remind me. Look, let's go party.”

“Okay.”

The girls found their way back out to the party. Venice and Craig danced next to Chanelle and Spoonie. Monique was grinding with some guy who still had a jheri curl. The party went on for hours before winding down and Monique was complaining that her feet were hurting. Chanelle was giggling to almost everything Spoonie said, which was a good sign.

At two-thirty, Craig asked if they were ready to go. Jasper was going to catch a ride back to campus with other friends. He thanked Craig for letting him roll with him before telling the group goodbye.

Monique said, “Jasper, next time, don't run off so fast.”

He laughed and said, “All right.”

As the rest of them loaded into Craig's truck, Monique moaned from exhaustion but boasted about having a good time. She said, “Craig, I'm going to pin that cute Jasper down if I ever get a chance. He seems so sweet and innocent. I like a good challenge.”

Craig snickered. “You'd better watch yourself. Looks can be deceiving. You may be the one who gets pinned down.”

They all laughed and agreed with Craig that she might get into a situation she couldn't get out of.

“I can handle myself and I know I can handle a sweet little thing like Jasper,” Monique said defensively.

Craig said, “Okay, don't say I didn't warn you, Miss Know- It- All.”

After they reached the dorm, Spoonie asked Chanelle if he could walk her to the door. Chanelle agreed and Monique jumped out and thanked Craig for letting them hang with him and his girl. Craig told Monique that it wasn't a problem and to get her butt in her room before she got into trouble.

Monique asked, “Are you coming up, Venice?”

Venice hesitated a moment. Craig smiled and said, “No, she's going home with me. Is that okay with you?”

“You know you're all right with me, Craig. Just make sure you take care of my girl. Venice, I'll see you in the morning and don't do anything that I wouldn't do.”

Venice giggled. “Goodnight, Monique! Anyway, I'm not like you! You're a nymphomaniac!”

Monique let out a silly laugh and walked off toward the dorm.

Venice turned to Craig. “Do you think that's a good idea after the misunderstanding earlier today?”

Craig ran his finger down her arm. “Venice, that's behind us now. Let it go. I just want to spend some time with you.”

“That's nice, but I don't have a change of clothes.”

“Well, why don't you go throw a few things in a bag? I really want you with me tonight. I promise, I'll be a perfect gentleman.”

“Okay, Craig. I'll be right back.”

Venice noticed Chanelle and Spoonie sitting in the lounge talking when she entered the dorm. She ran down the hall to her room, gathered some personal belongings and a change of clothes.

As she entered back into the lobby, Spoonie hollered, “Tell Craig I'll catch him tomorrow!”

Venice replied, “I will. Goodnight, Spoonie. Goodnight, Chanelle.”

Chanelle gave Venice the thumbs up sign behind Spoonie's back. Venice climbed back into the truck, delivered Spoonie's message, and they were on their way.

Venice said, “Chanelle and Spoonie are sitting in the lounge. Craig, I think this is the best thing that's ever happened to Chanelle. I hope it works out.”

“Me, too.”

The rest of the ride was quiet. Venice was beginning to feel a little nervous. She started thinking about Jarvis. She attempted to calm herself down mentally and physically.

After getting to his house, Craig asked, “Would you like something to drink?”

Venice responded, “Sure. Whatever you have handy.”

“Cool. I'll pour us some wine. Why don't you toss your bag in my room.”

Venice hoped the wine would calm her nerves. “Craig, is it okay if I take a shower?”

“Help yourself to whatever you need. The towels are in the linen closet. If you need anything else, just holler at me.”

“Okay, but I think I can find everything.”

Venice showered while Craig double-checked all the doors, cut off the lights, and set the alarm. Craig turned on the TV and began to turn down his bed. His room was very neat for a college man but, then again, it wasn't like a dorm room. His room was large enough to have a sofa, drawing table, and a desk for his computer. He had a queen-size bed with a padded cedar chest at the foot of it for additional seating. His walls were decorated with colorful African paintings and artifacts to compliment the theme. He had soft lighting that gave the room a warm and relaxing glow. Venice was impressed with his taste in artwork. Craig sipped on his drink and watched ESPN while Venice finished her shower. She found the warm water relaxing and spent quite a while under the soothing water.

Craig knocked on the door and teased her. “Hey, girl, don't use up all the hot water.”

“I'll be out in a minute.” Venice thought to herself,
I need to be using cold water ‘cause I'm hot as hell!

She finished her shower, powdered, and lotioned up. She decided to put on a little makeup before putting on her nightshirt and returning to the bedroom. Craig's eyes scanned her body from head to toe.

He stood up and locked eyes with her. “Make yourself comfortable. I'll be right out.”

Craig went into the bathroom to take his shower. He could still smell the seductive scent of her in the air.

Venice began to wonder if that night would be the night. She hoped so. Her curiosity was starting to get the best of her. The sleeping arrangements weren't discussed and Venice didn't want Craig to think she was loose. She sat on the bed, sipping her wine and contemplating what to do.

When Craig reentered the room, he was wearing a T-shirt and shorts. He noticed Venice was acting a little nervous. “Venice, if you like, I can sleep in the guest room. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable.”

W
hat I wish you would do is hurry up and give me some loving
, Venice said to herself.

Aloud she answered, “You don't have to leave your room. I appreciate your offer, but I'm okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“I'm sure.”

After finishing their drinks, Craig stacked pillows so that they were in a semi-reclining position. That made it easier to watch TV. As time went on, Venice started getting sleepy and instinctively laid her head across his chest. Immediately, he became aroused. Mentally, he had to talk his desire down because he didn't want to scare her away. Little did he know, she was just as aroused with their bodies pressed casually against each other. As the night wore on and nothing happened, Venice realized it would be up to her to make the first move. However, she felt that would give him the wrong impression of her. It was the first time she'd spent the night with him and she didn't want to ruin it.

All sorts of things ran through her head:
Here I am, practically naked and he hasn't even touched me. What's up? Should I just put my hands in his shorts and take it? Nah! That wouldn't be cool either. I'm just going to have to try and be a little more patient. But damn! Look at him. He is so fine and
so
sweet. Lord, give me strength
.

Venice decided to try and get some sleep. It was going to be hard to sleep lying next to him.

Craig lay there watching her and wondered if he should make a move. He didn't want Venice to think that all he wanted was sex, but he did want her bad. He assumed she felt his unavoidable hardness against her back. But if she did, she didn't let on.

He thought:
Lord! I don't know how much longer I can hold off not touching this woman!

Venice definitely felt something pushing against her hips. For now, she was satisfied to know that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Even though her heart was pounding and body was throbbing, she managed to fall asleep.

B
eing an early riser, Venice woke up first just as the sun was rising. Craig was sound asleep and had his arm securely over her waist. Venice tried to creep out of the bed without disturbing him, but it didn't work.

“Where are you going?” Craig asked.

“I was just going to the bathroom.”

“Okay. Hurry back.”

“Do you want anything while I'm up?”

“I want you to come back to bed. It's too early to get up.”

Venice smiled. Just knowing that he wanted her beside him felt great. When she returned to bed, he massaged her back. Once again, she felt the familiar bulge against her hips.

Damn!
She lay there, feeling the warmth of his body as he snuggled up to her even tighter. She couldn't understand his ability to hold out. She was about to explode. Her body was on fire and sweat started to bead on her forehead. A few minutes later, he started kissing the back of her neck sensually. Venice bit her bottom lip as his strong hands started caressing her thighs. He moved up to her breasts and reached under her shirt. She turned to him and felt him protruding even more as she wrapped her leg over his body.

He opened his eyes and said, “Venice, I'm sorry. You're about to make me do something I don't think we're ready for.”

“Why don't you let me be the judge of that?”

He smiled and she gave him a seductive kiss on the lips. Pulling her closer to him, he said, “It's not our time yet, baby. As much as I want to, I don't think we should. It is the first night you've spent with me and I don't want you to feel like I took advantage of you.”

Venice met his dark gaze. “Maybe I want you to take advantage of me. Plus, Craig Jr. seems to be in the mood.”

Craig blushed. “What do you expect? He hasn't had anyone as sweet as you visiting before.”

Venice nudged up against his neck playfully and stroked his lower body. “I'm game if you are, but I appreciate you having my best interest at hand.”

“I just don't want you to have any regrets later.”

“The only regret I'm having right now if that we haven't started making love.”

That was all Craig could take. In a split second, he was covering her with his body and devouring her lips with his. Her nipples hardened as he stroked them with his fingers. Venice let out a loud moan as he covered the ripe peaks with his warm lips, sucking them raw. She grabbed his head and stroked his neck as he attentively concentrated on each one equally. Venice felt his impressive manhood as he ground his hips into hers. She immediately moistened and, within minutes, his fingers found the warm, wet jungle of love he'd searched for. She arched her body toward him as his fingers explored in and out of her. Venice could hardly contain the pleasure he was giving her with just his touch and wanted more.

She looked into his dark brown eyes. “I'm a little nervous.”

“I'll stop if you want me to.”

“I'm not that nervous.”

They laughed as their lips found each other's again. Venice wrapped her arms and legs around his impressive body as their tongues tasted their new found love. Craig stopped kissing her only long enough to protect them.

“Taylor, are you sure about this?”

She pulled him down to her so that they were eye to eye. “If I get any surer, I'm going to explode right before your eyes.”

She ran her hand down his heated body, took his fullness into her hands, and guided him into the space she long awaited for him to fill.

“Oh my God!” she screamed out in delight.

“Am I hurting you, Venice?”

“No! Don't stop!”

Craig was happy to oblige Venice as their bodies met in savage rhythm. There was plenty of kissing, licking, and moaning until
Craig hollered out her name in true love and ecstasy. He filled her completely and she'd never felt as reckless as she did at that moment. Matching his thrusts, arching into him, feeling his hot breath on her neck, she moaned his name long and slow. This sent him over the edge as Venice felt him moving in and out of her heat. His movement was precise and erotic as he dove deeper and harder until the tidal wave of his love exploded in her lower body.

She held on tightly and convulsed beneath his body.

He collapsed onto her chest, dripping with sweat and whispered, “You're something else, Ms. Taylor.”

“I hope that's a compliment.”

He ran his hand from her thigh and cupped her breast. “That's an understatement.”

“In that case, you weren't so bad yourself.”

He smiled and continued to stroke her nipple with his thumb. Their eyes met and Venice pulled him to her. “Kiss me, Bennett.” He held her in his arms and did as he was told. They continued holding each other and eventually went back to sleep.

Venice had one final thought before falling asleep:
I'm sorry, Jarvis.

 

Once they finally woke up
, Craig cooked breakfast, cleaned up the kitchen, and got dressed. It was about 10:30 a.m. and Venice told Craig she needed to get back to campus. She didn't have much to say during the ride.

Craig asked, “Are you okay, Venice?”

“I'm fine.”

When they arrived at her dorm, he walked her to her room and gave her a kiss on the lips. “I'll call you when I get out of church. Next Sunday, I want you to go with me. Okay?”