The gentlemen walked over to the club’s sign which was covered with a huge piece of fabric. The crowd started a countdown.
“Three—two—one,” they shouted in unison.
Cole and Trent pulled on the ropes and revealed the club’s name and logo. The sign looked like a vintage Gibson guitar. The club’s name, Mia Bella Anna, was scripted in neon lights across the top. It had a set of emerald green eyes airbrushed on it courtesy of the mural artist. The eyes staring out over the city were Anna’s eyes.
Cole stared up at the sign with love and pride only wishing he was staring into Anna’s eyes, not some piece of art.
“It’s beautiful,” a voice said from behind him.
Cole turned to find Anna standing there. She took his breath away. For a few moments, he stood there staring at her wondering if the moment was real and if she was back in his life. “Anna, I’m so sorry for everything. I didn’t know. My lawyer told me it was best not to contact you. I didn’t want you to be involved. I didn’t—”
“Cole, stop,” she interrupted his explanation. “I know about everything. Becca and my father filled me in. I’m sorry I disappeared for a few days. I was hurt, confused, and frustrated. I broke my damn phone.”
“How did you do that?”
“Um, I kind of got pissed and threw it.”
Cole chuckled and recalled the time he did the same to his. “Sounds familiar.” He pulled her into his arms and whispered, “Are we okay now? I miss you, Anna, so fucking much. I want you in my life. I miss going to sleep with you and waking up with you. I miss our bantering.”
“I’m not sure.”
He pulled away slightly so he could look at her face. He needed to be able to read all of her emotions. “What do you mean, you aren’t sure?” Cole questioned with sadness in his voice.
“I think we need to see if the spark is still there.” He raised a brow. “Kiss me you fine, sexy piece of ass.”
Cole gave her a sexy grin, and she felt it heat her core.
God, how he missed her. He wrapped his arm around her waist. He yanked her close to him and leaned her back over his arm. He kissed her with every ounce of passion and love he could stir up. In those moments, only the two of them existed. No crowd or reporters snapping photos of them, even though they were. It was just the two of them.
They broke their kiss leaving each other breathless. Cole’s forehead touched Anna’s and passion heated their gaze.
“Well, mia bella Anna?” he asked, hoping she still felt a spark.
Anna whispered in his ear. “Hmmm, I think the spark is still there, but we need to test it again on the kitchen counter, on the couch, in the tub, and in bed.” She winked at him. “Let’s go party, babe, and then you can take me home and make me scream your name.”
“Sounds like music to my ears.”
She grabbed his hand and tried pulling him inside. He stopped her and pulled her back into his arms.
“Anna?”
He looked at the exceptional woman before him. She was his…and perfect for him. Being with her made him a better man. There was only one more thing needed which would bring his world all together in perfect harmony.
“Yeah?” she asked, looking into his eyes.
“I should have told you how I felt a long time ago, but I was chicken shit.” He lightly pressed his lips against hers, never breaking eye contact. “I love you, mia bella Anna.”
She smiled at him with her whole heart, so happy to hear him say those words. “And I love you.”
Cole pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. He held her hand as they made their way inside the club and walked toward the stage.
“Wait right here, baby. I need to take care of some business and then we can enjoy the rest of the night.”
“Okay,” she said with a bright smile.
Cole kissed her knuckles before releasing her hand. He walked up the three steps toward the microphone. Trent joined him on stage.
“Good evening, everyone. On behalf of Twilight Enterprises, my brother, Trent, and I would like to thank you for coming to celebrate our grand opening.” The crowd clapped. “When we first purchased this building, we didn’t have much of a vision for it other than it being a nightclub. And then Anna, of Anna Bryant Designs, instilled her life motto of create, evoke emotion, fill with passion into this place. She envisioned this fun atmosphere showcasing the incredible music influence and talent we have here in Chicago. But that’s not all.” Cole’s eyes met Anna’s. “During this process, I fell in love with her—her creative side, her emotions, her passion —everything about her. I almost lost her—twice—but I swear to you, Anna, I will never let anything tear us apart again. Your strength makes me a better man. I love the fun we have when we are together. You are my best friend and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.”
Blissful tears slid down Anna’s cheeks. Her heart was beating so fast it was nearly bursting out of her chest. She fell for him fast and loved him so hard.
That was the way the two of them did things.
Cole handed the mic to Trent and jumped off the stage. He came over to her and got down on one knee. Their eyes remained fixed on each other as he took her hands in his.
“Mia bella Anna, I want to banter with you—” he said as his lips curved into a sexy smile that made her melt, “and love you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she exclaimed and jumped into his arms. She kissed him, unleashing every bit of passion and love she had for him. The crowd’s cheers were almost deafening. “I love you so fucking much,” she said near his ear.
He cupped her face in his hands. “I love you.”
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Struggling through health issues, I discovered my love for reading romances. Writing then became my escape and in some ways, a depiction of my spirit. I enjoy creating strong female characters who overcome hardships, reflecting on some of my own adversities, trials, and triumphs. The relationships are sweet and sexy with characters who embody discovery, lust, trust, happiness, and love.
I lead a full and exciting life in Northeast Ohio. I love to bake, create, workout, dance, and read. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. My life can attest to that. Work hard. Play hard. Live life to the fullest each and every day, doing it all in a pair of 4" heels ;). Who says you can't have it all?
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Mia Bella Anna Page 14