“Mmmm. That felt good.” Anna was circling her finger around his chest and his nipple.
“Which part?” he asked while massaging her head.
“You taking the clip out of my hair,” she tried to say it in a serious voice, but she couldn’t keep a straight face.
Cole could feel her lips curve up against his chest. He slapped her on the ass in response to her funny antics. They shared a boisterous laugh.
Anna stopped laughing and looked up at him, settling her chin on his chest.
He gazed into her green eyes. They were looking like emeralds in the soft lighting of the room. “You are absolutely gorgeous.”
She moved closer to his face and kissed him, licking and biting his lower lip. His cock was standing at attention again. He was ready for more of Miss Anna Bryant and all the surprises and wonderfulness that came along with her.
* * * *
After a night of mind-blowing sex, Cole wrapped his arms and legs around Anna’s body and fell into a deep sleep.
Anna woke up a few hours later with the vision of the perfect club design for Cole and Trent. She carefully wiggled her way out of his grip and reached for her art set and notepad. No matter where she was, she always kept it by her during the night in case inspiration struck her. She turned on the bedside lamp, stacked the pillows behind her back, and got comfortable. She flipped to the first empty page and began sketching.
Anna started with the dance floor that was sunken down two or three well lit steps. The dance floor would be oval in shape, different from the standard square or rectangular-shaped dance floors typically found in clubs. Red leather-like benches would surround most of the perimeter, leaving the stage area open.
The stage would be designed for a disc jockey or to hold a band. Behind the stage, she envisioned a mural artist coming in and painting realistic renditions of all the famous musicians who called Chicago home. The mural would add detail to the room and pops of color. It would be a true focal point, not to mention great publicity for paying tribute to Chicago’s greatest musicians.
The railing behind the benches around the dance floor would be a simple scrolled wrought iron with a dark wood railing. The wrought iron would be carried through to the design of the high top round tables, keeping the round edges consistent with the shape of the dance floor and softening the hard woods and iron.
The main seating area would be across from the large bar. Behind the seating area, would be built in dark, wooden, box-like, bookshelves randomly displaying candle looking dim lights, setting the mood for the club. The same shelves would be on the opposite wall, holding the liquor and wine bottles behind the bar. The bar would be S-shaped, again using curves to soften the room while providing plenty of space for customers to sit. Different sized industrial round pendant lamps would serve as the main lighting source above the bar and throughout the room.
She went on to sketch a party room and a VIP section.
Cole was awakened by the sounds of rustling paper. He opened his eyes and immediately smiled when he saw Anna. She was leaning against the headboard, sketching away with her beautiful breasts completely uncovered. She was clearly comfortable with her body. Cole had to admit, it was a wonderful sight to wake up to.
“Babe, what are you doing?” he murmured still half asleep. He nuzzled his head close to her left arm.
“Designing your club,” she answered with confidence.
Cole glanced at the clock. “It’s three o’clock in the morning.”
“I know. I can’t control when the ideas come to me.”
She continued sketching and taking notes. She was definitely in work mode and not disturbed by their nakedness. Cole respected her determination. He sat up next to her and looked at the masterpiece she had created.
“Wow! Have you been up all night?”
“No, about an hour or so. So, here is what I am thinking…” Anna went on to describe her vision for his club along with some of the materials she wanted to use.
Cole was dumbfounded. The rendition she had drawn so quickly was perfect—beyond perfect. He loved the idea of the mural and was already starting to think about ways to market it and attract Chicago’s elite. He also thought about having a blues night and a jazz night. After all, it was the music Chicago was known for.
“Is there going to be room for a VIP section?”
“I think so. The warehouse is pretty big. Probably even a private party room, too.”
“Great. I sketched out both of those as well. Here are my thoughts for the VIP section.”
She turned the page of her notebook and showed him the sketch. “I would like to see four antique looking sofas in the middle of the room connected by a dark wood table in the middle. A gorgeous crystal chandelier in the middle of the room but one with modern lines. I think it would be nice to do a smaller version of the main bar inside the VIP section. I want to throw in some regular height tables that match the bar height ones in the main room. There would be plenty of room for parties and special guests. We have to firm up some of the color schemes, but with the mural and the wood and iron, we can keep it simple. What do you think?”
Cole took the notepad from her and looked it over closely. He flipped back to the VIP section and studied it. Everything fell into place. “Old school with modern touches and paying tribute to Chicago’s music history.”
“Yes, that is my vision.”
“It’s perfect, Anna, absolutely perfect.”
Cole took a snapshot of the designs on his phone and texted the images and a few notes to his brother.
“I’m glad you like them. I am sure there will be changes along the way with budget and design, but I think the overall feel is different, fun, and classy.”
“I agree. Now can we go back to sleep?” he said with yawn, snuggling her in his arms.
Chapter Four
The hotel phone rang next to Cole’s ear. Anna woke up and reached over him to grab the phone. Her breasts rubbed against him causing him to groan in the most pleasant way.
“Hello,” Anna mumbled.
“Hey, Anna. It’s Alayna. I tried calling your cell, but you didn’t answer.”
“Sorry, I didn’t hear it ring. What’s up?”
“We have breakfast for you, although I have a feeling I just woke you up.”
Anna glanced at the clock. It was nine o’clock in the morning. Anna very rarely slept in. She was dead tired after expelling so much energy with Cole last night. “Give me ten minutes.”
“Okay. Are you still okay to take care of the kids before the wedding?”
“Absolutely. See you soon.” Anna hung up the phone. She nudged Cole. “Wake up. You got to go back to your own room.”
“What?” he grumbled and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
“My favorite munchkins are coming to our suite with breakfast.”
Cole begrudgingly rolled out of bed, still naked, and ran his fingers through his hair as he shuffled out of the room.
Anna whistled at him. Nothing like a good catcall in the morning. “I still want to bite that tight, sexy ass of yours,” she howled at him. Cole chuckled and shot her the middle finger. “Oh, trust me, we will have plenty of time for that later, babe.”
Anna jumped out of bed and threw on some yoga pants and a tank top. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and threw her hair back in a ponytail. She heard a knock at the hotel room door.
“Coming!” She rushed to the door and opened it.
“Hi, Aunt Anna!” She saw the cutest faces ever, and they all showered her with good morning hugs.
“Hey, guys. Something sure smells good.” She tried to peek in the bags. “What do you got in there?”
Alex quickly snatched the bag away from her. Anna wrapped her arms around her nine-year old nephew and tickled him. She easily snatched the bag away while he was giggling. “Got it!” she lovingly teased.
“Not fair,” Alex said, still trying to catch his breath. Hiccup. “Man, I ha
ve the hiccups now.”
“Sorry, buddy.” Anna rubbed her hand over his head, messing up his hair. James and Emily laughed.
Adam and Alayna joined them in the room. They set out some plates and napkins and pulled out the drinks and bagels.
“Where is Mr. Cole?” James asked.
“He is in his room. Why don’t you go knock on his door and tell him to come have breakfast with us?”
James nodded and went to get Cole.
Cole shuffled out of his room in a pair of gray sweats and a form fitting black t-shirt. His eyes met Anna’s in a gaze that acknowledged what had happened last night and what was unquestionably going to happen again tonight.
Alayna noticed the look Anna and Cole gave each other right away and smiled.
“Wow, Mr. Cole. It looks like someone drew all over your arms,” Emily innocently mentioned.
“They did,” Cole said. “It is kind of like they used a permanent marker though.” He smiled at the six-year-old, blonde little girl. She was cute as a button.
They enjoyed their breakfast. Cole couldn’t figure out why the bagels from New York tasted so much better than the ones back home.
Alayna glanced at the time on her phone. “Baby, we got to get going. Mike and Catherine are expecting us,” she reminded her husband.
Adam and Alayna got up. Alayna went through all the stuff she brought for the kids with Anna. Anna was planning on taking them to the hotel pool for a bit and then having lunch. Afterward, she was going to get them ready for the wedding. James and Alex were serving as the ring bearers and Emily as the flower girl.
Adam and Alayna said their goodbyes and told the kids to be good and left.
Cole walked over to Anna and whispered, “We’re babysitting?”
Anna laughed at the slightly terrified look Cole had on his face. “Yes. Well, I am, just for a few hours. I would love it if you hung out with us, too,” she suggested with puppy dog eyes.
Cole rolled his eyes at her yet couldn’t say no. “Just let me get in a quick workout and then I will meet you guys at the pool.”
Cole headed to the hotel fitness room. It was surprisingly well equipped for a hotel. Cole turned on his iPod, warmed up, and started lifting. The weights weren’t quite what he needed, but it was better than nothing.
Anna and the kids got their swimsuits on and went down to the pool. It was right by the fitness room. The kids banged on the window until they got Cole’s attention. He had headphones on and didn’t hear them right away. When he finally saw them, they all smiled and waved. Cole waved back. Anna ushered the kids toward the pool and looked back at Cole. He gave her a quick wink and continued his workout.
Anna and the kids set down their towels. The kids jumped in the pool. She was thankful they were all good swimmers, and the pool was only four feet deep all the way across. She took off her cover up and threw it on a lounge chair. Before she sat down, she glanced over at the fitness room for Cole. She had never seen him workout before. She would be lying to herself if she said it didn’t turn her on, especially after that panty dampening wink he gave her.
“Aren’t you coming in, Aunt Anna?” Emily asked, making Anna refocus.
“In a little bit. You three warm up, and then I will be in to play a game of Marco Polo with you.”
“Awesome! I am so good at that game,” Alex proclaimed.
“That’s because you are taller than Emily and me and can get around the pool faster,” James stated defensively.
“James, I will take turns helping you and Emily. Piggy back rides are great for that game.”
She watched the kids play for a bit. Anna loved watching them splash around and giggle. Soon, Cole walked into the pool wearing a pair of blue board shorts. His presence commanded her attention as their eyes met. He sauntered over to her and put his towel on the chair next to her.
Cole’s eyes roamed up and down Anna’s body. She was wearing a red bikini that made him want to drag her back up to the room. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Nice bikini.”
“Thanks.” Anna peered at his crotch which just so happened to be at her eye level. “Flag at half-mast?” she snickered.
Cole looked down at his dick and rolled his eyes at her. “Ah hell.” He inconspicuously adjusted his swimsuit and recited an Italian nursery rhyme to himself. It was one his mother used to tell him and served as a good calming agent. It was kind of bizarre but recalling his childhood typically took care of his hard-ons when he couldn’t relieve himself.
“Are you two coming in the water?” Alex whined.
Cole and Anna got up and jumped in the pool, making a huge splash.
“It’s Marco Polo time,” Anna announced. “And now that Mr. Cole is here, James, you can ride on his back. Emily, hop on, rock star.”
The five of them played for a good while. Cole was having a blast with Anna and the kids. Damn, they were tiring him out though. He could spend hours at the gym and all night at the bar, but these three little kids wore him out.
James was getting hungry, and they all agreed it was time to eat. They got out of the pool and dried off. Anna ordered pizza, and they ate it in the hotel room. Despite the fact that Anna and Cole were used to Chicago style pizza, New York pizza was still phenomenal. The kids wanted dessert and asked if Carvel delivered ice cream. Anna and Cole had never had it before. The kids swore it was the best ice cream ever. They had it the last time they came to visit Uncle Mike in New York. Cole promised he would take them for ice cream tomorrow. The sweet gesture made Anna smile and even warmed her heart a little bit more.
Anna got the kids showered and dressed. Cole watched her do her thing. Even though Anna didn’t have kids, she sure was a natural at caring for them. A lot of the women he had dated didn’t even like kids. It was definitely a turn off for him in a relationship sense. In bed, it didn’t matter either way. He wasn’t thinking of kids with those kind of women anyway.
“Okay. I need to get ready, and then I will do Emily’s hair. Can you watch them for a bit, and then you can jump in the shower?”
“Got it covered.” He winked at her, feeling completely comfortable and confident he could do this. It’s not like they were babies and needed their diapers changed. He found The Spy Next Door, a movie on a kids’ channel, and sat on the sofa with them. Cole found the movie entertaining. He always loved Jackie Chan films but never saw this particular one.
Anna hurried through her shower but did a thorough shave. She threw on her robe and went to quietly check on Cole and the kids. She peeked through the door and found Emily sitting on his lap and Alex and James sitting beside him. They were all laughing at the movie. There was that damn feeling again in her chest. She quietly closed the door and got ready for the wedding.
She had purchased a royal blue, short chiffon dress with beautiful silver beading throughout the top of the dress. The single shoulder wide strap crossed over her chest. It was beautiful. She paired it with the same silver pumps she wore yesterday. She always hated packing too much when she traveled, especially shoes since they took up so much room in her suitcase.
She left her hair down with loose curls in it. She topped off her outfit with a pair of silver chandelier earrings and a funky silver and blue ring.
Cole heard the door to Anna’s room open and immediately looked her way. He whistled like the wind was blowing. “Wow,” he exclaimed.
She winked and smiled at him. He loved that she was so confident.
“You look so pretty, Aunt Anna. Just like a princess,” Emily gushed.
“Just like you!” Anna confirmed and watched her niece twirl around in her beautiful dress.
“You both look like beautiful princesses,” Cole clarified.
“Queen to you, buddy,” Anna joked.
Cole snickered at the bantering affection they were getting accustomed to.
“Time to play hair stylist. Let’s go, rock star.” Anna led Emily back to her bathroom.
Alex turned to Cole. “So, do you li
ke our Aunt Anna or are you just working with her?”
Cole knew Alex was quite the inquisitive one just like James. According to what Anna told him about Alayna, it ran in the family. “Both,” Cole answered honestly and simply.
“Uh-huh,” Alex said with a raised brow.
Cole wasn’t sure if he was going to get his rights read to him, more questions, or what.
“Aunt Anna is pretty amazing. She made me this cool super hero room when we moved in with Dad. It even has a climbing wall in it. She really knows her design stuff,” James told Cole.
“That she does. She is pretty amazing. Hey, I am going to hop in the shower now and get ready for the wedding. You two okay for a bit?”
They nodded and focused their attention back to the movie.
Cole headed to his room and smiled thinking about Anna. He honestly couldn’t stop thinking about her, even when he was working out. Usually that was the time when he was able to completely clear his mind.
After his shower, he dressed in his dark steel gray suit with a crisp, white dress shirt. He brought a few ties with him and picked one that matched Anna’s dress. He was looking in the mirror and tying his tie when there was a knock at the door.
“Yeah?”
His bedroom door opened, and he looked over. Anna sashayed her gorgeous self in and shut the door behind her. Cole’s hands froze in the middle of knotting his tie making him lose his place and have to start all over again.
Anna looked like she was on a mission.
“Here, let me help you.” She walked over to him and began tying his tie. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her as she worked. “Thank you for watching the kids while I was getting ready. You looked pretty damn sexy taking care of them.”
“I did, did I?”
“Mmmm, hmmm. I took a quick peek after my shower. You seemed like you were enjoying the movie.”
Cole put his hands on her waist and wanted to throw her down on the bed and strip her naked. “It was funny. I think the kids liked it, too.”
Mia Bella Anna Page 4