Chapter 5: Unexpected Encounter

Mira twisted her glass, watching the amber liquid catch the light. She shouldn't have let Riley drag her out tonight. Not when all she could think about was Hayden's lips on hers, his hands in her hair, and the way he'd looked at her before walking out the door three days ago.

"You're doing it again," Riley said, nudging her shoulder. "That whole brooding artist thing."

"I'm not brooding," Mira protested. "I'm thinking."

"About Mr. Corporate?" Riley waggled her eyebrows, taking a sip of her cocktail. The upscale bar she'd insisted on was packed with Friday night crowds, sleek professionals unwinding after their workweek.

Mira took a long swallow of whiskey. "No."

"Liar. You've been distracted since the moment he walked into the studio." Riley scanned the crowded room. "You need a distraction. Preferably tall, hot, and uncomplicated."

"I don't need complications of any kind," Mira said. "I need to focus on the exhibition next month."

"You need to get laid," Riley said bluntly. "It's been what, a year?"

"Ten months," Mira corrected before she could stop herself. "And that's not the point."

"It's exactly the point. Sexual frustration is bad for your art."

"Since when are you an expert on my art?"

"Since I've watched you obsess over every detail of Corporate Guy's phoenix instead of working on your exhibition pieces." Riley leaned forward. "And don't tell me that's just professional dedication."

Mira opened her mouth to argue, but the words died in her throat as her gaze landed on a familiar figure at the bar. Hayden stood with his back to her, talking with the bartender. He wore dark jeans and a fitted navy button-down that stretched across his shoulders. Those same shoulders she'd spent hours tattooing, touching, memorizing.

"Holy shit," Riley said, following her gaze. "Is that him?"

Mira nodded, unable to look away. Her pulse quickened as heat flooded her body, the memory of their kiss still vivid.

"Fate," Riley declared, downing the rest of her drink. "The universe is telling you something."

"The universe is telling me I need to leave." Mira started to stand, but Riley grabbed her wrist.

"No way. You're going to talk to him."

"He's my client."

"He's a hot guy you can't stop thinking about." Riley fixed her with a hard stare. "At least say hello."

Before Mira could respond, Hayden turned, his eyes scanning the crowd before landing on her. Recognition flickered across his face, followed by a smile that made her stomach flip. He nodded in greeting, raising his glass slightly.

"He sees you," Riley sang under her breath. "Now you have to go over."

"I don't have to do anything," Mira whispered, though she couldn't tear her eyes away from him.

"Fine. I'll go introduce myself." Riley stood, smoothing her tight black dress.

"Don't you dare." Mira grabbed her arm.

"Then you go." Riley nodded toward Hayden with a smirk, who was still watching them. "I'll make myself scarce. Give you two some privacy."

Mira hesitated before the alcohol in her system made up her mind for her.

"Fine," she said, finishing her whiskey for courage. "Just to say hi."

"Sure," Riley rolled her eyes with a chuckle. "Just to say hi."

Mira made her way across the crowded floor, weaving between groups of laughing professionals. Hayden watched her approach, his blue-gray eyes tracking her movement. He straightened as she reached him, setting his glass on the bar.

"Mira," he said, her name soft on his lips. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Small world," she replied, trying to ignore how good he looked outside the studio. More relaxed, but still with that quiet intensity that drew her in. "Business or pleasure?"

"Meeting with potential investors. It ran long, so I stopped for a drink." His eyes traveled over her, taking in the fitted black top and dark jeans she wore. "You look different outside the studio."

"No ink stains," she joked, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze.

"I was going to say beautiful," Hayden said, his voice dropping. "But you always look beautiful."

Heat swept up Mira's neck at the compliment. "Smooth talker."

"Just honest." He gestured to the empty stool beside him. "Join me?"

Mira glanced back at their table, where Riley gave her an exaggerated thumbs-up before gathering her purse. "Looks like my friend is leaving anyway."

"Lucky me," Hayden said as she slid onto the stool. He signaled the bartender. "Another whiskey?"

"You remember what I drink?"

"I remember everything about you."

The bartender set a fresh whiskey in front of her. Mira took a long sip, needing something to calm her nerves. The alcohol burned pleasantly down her throat, warming her from the inside.

"How's your phoenix healing?" she asked, retreating to safer ground.

"Perfect. Your work is amazing." Hayden's finger traced the rim of his glass. "Though we still need to finish it."

"I know. I just..." Mira hesitated. "I needed some time to think."

"About my offer?" His eyes met hers, direct as always. "Finding another artist to finish the piece?"

"I don't want anyone else touching my work," she admitted. The whiskey made her bolder. "Or you."

The words hung between them, loaded with meaning. Hayden's eyes darkened as he leaned closer.

"I don't want anyone else touching me either," he said, voice low enough that only she could hear. "Just you."

The bar seemed to fade away, the noise of the crowd receding until there was nothing but the space between them. Mira's fingers tightened around her glass.

"We can't do this," she said, even as her body betrayed her with a flush of heat. "You're still my client."

"What if I wasn't?" Hayden asked, his hand brushing against hers. "What if we found a way around that particular boundary?"

"Such as?"

"What if..." He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "What happens outside the studio stays outside the studio?"

Mira pulled back to see his face. "You think we can separate the two that easily?"

"I think we can try," Hayden said, his finger brushing against her cheek. "I think we both want to."

Mira took another swallow of whiskey. "And if it gets complicated?"

"Life is complicated," Hayden said with a slight smile. "But right now, what I want seems pretty simple." His eyes held hers. "I want you, Mira. I haven't been able to think about anything else since that kiss."

Mira's breath caught. The memory of his mouth on hers, his hands in her hair, sent a fresh wave of heat through her body. Three days of trying to forget it had only made her want more.

"I haven't either," she confessed, the alcohol loosening her tongue. "But wanting doesn't make it right."

"Maybe not," Hayden agreed, his thumb now tracing circles on her wrist. "But it makes it honest. And I'd rather be honest about what I want than pretend it doesn't exist."

His touch made concentration difficult. "And what exactly do you want, Hayden?"

Instead of answering, he leaned forward, his lips brushing her ear. "I want to feel your hands on me again," he whispered. "Not for a tattoo. Not for a massage. I want to know what those artist fingers feel like on every inch of my skin."

Mira's mouth went dry, heat pooling low in her stomach at his words. "Hayden..."

"I want to taste you," he continued, his voice dropping even lower. "All of you. I want to hear the sounds you make when you come. I want to be the reason you make them."

Her pulse raced, each word painting vivid images in her mind. The effect of the whiskey lowered her defenses, eroding her resolve.

"We're in public," she managed, though her body was already responding to his words, her nipples tightening beneath her top.

"There's a private bathroom in the back hallway," Hayden said, pulling back to meet her gaze. "Single occupancy. Lockable door."

Mira's eyes widened. "You want to..."

"Yes," he said simply. "Right now. Unless you tell me to stop."

The look in his eyes stole her breath. Desire mixed with challenge. She should say no. She should walk away. But her body had other ideas.

"I should tell you to stop," she whispered.

"But will you?" His fingers traced up her arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

Mira stood suddenly, decision made. Consequences could wait. "Show me this bathroom."

Hayden's slow smile was all heat and promise as he stood, leaving cash on the bar. He took her hand, leading her through the crowd toward a dark hallway at the back of the bar. Each step felt as if they'd been heading here since the moment they met.

The hallway was dimly lit, music fading as they moved deeper into the building. Hayden stopped at a door marked "Private" and checked that the hallway was empty before opening it, guiding her inside.

The bathroom was upscale like the rest of the bar. Spacious, with marble countertops and subdued lighting. Hayden locked the door behind them, and the click seemed to echo in the sudden quiet.

They stood facing each other. Away from the crowd, reality crashed back in. What was she doing? This was madness. Reckless. Exactly what she'd promised herself she wouldn't do again.

"We can still stop," Hayden said, reading her hesitation. "Walk out that door. Pretend this never happened."

Mira looked at him, really looked at him. This wasn't Max. This wasn't the same situation. Hayden had never tried to take anything from her, only offered honesty about what he wanted.

"I don't want to stop," she admitted, stepping closer. "I just want to be sure."

"Of what?"

"That this is just physical. That we can keep it separate from the studio."

Hayden's hand came up to cup her face, his thumb tracing her lower lip. "Just tell me what you need from me."

"Tonight," Mira said, making her decision. "Just tonight. No promises, no expectations beyond this room."

"Done," he agreed, his eyes never leaving hers. "Just tonight."

The last thread of her restraint snapped. Mira surged forward, capturing his mouth with hers, all the pent-up desire of the past weeks pouring into the kiss. Hayden responded immediately, his arms circling her waist, pulling her against him. His mouth was hot and demanding, tongue seeking entrance which she eagerly granted.

Mira's hands explored the broad expanse of his back, feeling the muscles bunching and flexing beneath her palms. Hayden walked her backward until her hips hit the marble counter, his larger frame surrounding her. He lifted her easily, setting her on the cool surface without breaking the kiss.

His hands slid under her top, calloused palms warm against her skin. When his thumbs brushed the undersides of her breasts, Mira gasped against his mouth. Hayden took the opportunity to trail kisses down her neck, finding the sensitive spot where it met her shoulder.

"I've thought about this," he murmured against her skin. "Every night since that kiss."

"Show me," Mira challenged, her fingers tangling in his hair.

Hayden pulled back, eyes dark with desire as he took in her flushed face and swollen lips. Slowly, he tugged her top up and over her head, revealing a black lace bra beneath. His sharp intake of breath was gratifying as he took in the sight of her.

"Beautiful," he breathed, hands skimming her sides, tracing the curves he'd uncovered. "Even better than I imagined."

Mira reached for his shirt buttons, undoing them one by one until she could push the fabric from his shoulders. The phoenix outline on his shoulder caught the light, her artwork on his skin sending a thrill through her that was both possessive and creative.

"Like what you see?" Hayden asked, catching her admiring gaze.

"Very much," Mira said, her hands exploring the contours of his chest, tracing the Latin script below his collarbone. "Fortune favors the bold, right?"

"Right now," Hayden said, stepping between her legs, "fortune favors us both."

His mouth found hers again, this kiss deeper, more urgent. His hands slid up her back, finding the clasp of her bra, and with a flick of his fingers, the bra loosened. He slid the straps down her arms, removing the barrier between them.

Hayden's gaze was reverent as he took in the sight of her bare breasts. "Perfect," he murmured, cupping one in his palm, his thumb brushing across her nipple. The touch sent sparks of pleasure straight to her core.

Mira arched into his touch, wanting more. Hayden bent his head, replacing his thumb with his mouth, drawing the sensitive peak between his lips. Her head fell back as he lavished attention on first one breast then the other, his tongue and teeth working in tandem to drive her wild.

"Hayden," she gasped, her legs wrapping around his waist, drawing him closer until she could feel his hardness pressed against her center.

He groaned at the contact, his hips jerking forward instinctively. "Tell me what you want," he said against her skin, trailing kisses up to her neck.

"Touch me," Mira breathed, guiding his hand to the button of her jeans. "Please."

Hayden's fingers made quick work of the button and zipper. He stepped back just enough to help her shimmy the tight denim down her legs, leaving her in just a pair of black lace panties that matched her discarded bra.

"Matching set," he observed with a raised eyebrow. "Were you planning this?"

"Just lucky," Mira said with a small smile. "Or maybe I was feeling optimistic."

Hayden chuckled, the sound sending warmth through her chest.

He stepped back between her spread legs, his hand skimming up her inner thigh with teasing lightness. "I've been dreaming about touching you," he confessed, his fingers tracing the edge of her panties. "About making you feel good."

"Show me," Mira challenged again, her hips shifting restlessly under his touch.

Hayden's fingers slipped beneath the lace, finding her already slick with desire. Both groaned at the contact.

"So wet already," he murmured, his finger circling her entrance before sliding inside with agonizing slowness. "Is this all for me?"

"Yes," Mira gasped as he added a second finger, stretching her deliciously. His thumb found her sensitive bundle of nerves, circling with just the right pressure. "God, yes."

Hayden watched her face as he worked her with his hand, his eyes dark with desire as she responded to his touch. His fingers curled to hit the spot inside that made her see stars, his rhythm steady and relentless.

"That's it," he encouraged as her breathing quickened, her hips moving against his hand. "Let me see you come."

The command in his voice sent a fresh wave of heat through her. Mira clutched at his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as tension built within her. Hayden bent to take a nipple in his mouth again, the dual sensation pushing her closer to the edge.

"I'm close," she warned, her voice breaking as his fingers moved faster, deeper.

"Look at me," Hayden said, straightening to capture her gaze. "I want to watch you."

Their eyes locked as he increased the pressure, his thumb working circles around her clit while his fingers curled inside her. The intensity of his gaze combined with his skilled touch sent Mira hurtling over the edge. She came with a cry that he captured with his mouth, her inner walls clenching around his fingers as waves of pleasure washed through her.

Hayden worked her through each pulse of her orgasm, only slowing when she slumped against him, trembling with aftershocks. He withdrew his hand gently, bringing his fingers to his mouth and sucking them clean while holding her gaze.

"Delicious," he said, voice rough with desire. "But I need more."

Without warning, he dropped to his knees in front of her, his hands on her thighs pushing them wider. Before Mira could process what was happening, he hooked his fingers in her panties and pulled them down her legs.

"What are you..."

"I told you I wanted to taste you," he said, looking up at her from between her legs, his intentions clear. "All of you."

Mira's protest died in her throat as Hayden leaned forward, his breath hot against her most sensitive flesh. The first touch of his tongue made her gasp, hands flying to his hair to anchor herself. He groaned against her, the vibration adding to the sensation as he explored her with broad strokes.

"Hayden," she moaned, her legs trembling as he found her clit, circling it with the tip of his tongue before sucking gently. Her head fell back against the mirror as he continued his assault, his hands gripping her thighs to keep them spread for his attentions.

He was relentless, alternating between teasing licks and firm pressure, his tongue dipping inside her before returning to circle her swollen bud. Just when she thought she couldn't take more, he slid two fingers back inside her, curling them to hit that perfect spot while his tongue continued its work.

The dual sensation was overwhelming. Mira felt tension building again, faster and more intense than before. Her fingers tightened in Hayden's hair, holding him against her as she rocked against his mouth.

"Don't stop," she begged, so close to the edge again. "Please don't stop."

Hayden hummed against her, the vibration sending her spiraling. Her second orgasm hit harder than the first, her body arching off the counter as pleasure radiated through her in waves. Hayden stayed with her through every pulse, his mouth gentle but insistent until she tugged at his hair, too sensitive to take more.

He rose slowly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, a satisfied smile on his face. "You taste even better than I imagined."

Mira was still catching her breath, her body limp with pleasure. But the sight of him, lips glistening, eyes dark with desire, the obvious bulge straining his jeans, sent a fresh wave of want through her.

"Your turn," she said, reaching for his belt.

Hayden caught her hands, bringing them to his lips to kiss her knuckles. "You don't have to..."

"I want to," Mira interrupted, sliding off the counter to stand before him. She felt powerful despite her nakedness, especially when she saw how he looked at her. "Let me touch you, Hayden."

He released her hands, watching as she undid his belt and the button of his jeans. Mira held his gaze as she lowered the zipper, then pushed the denim and his boxers down his hips in one motion.

His erection sprang free, thick and hard against his stomach. Mira took him in her hand, feeling the velvet skin over steel hardness. Hayden hissed at the contact, his hips jerking involuntarily.

"Now who's sensitive?" she teased, stroking him from base to tip. A bead of moisture formed at the head, and she swiped her thumb over it, using it to ease her movement.

"Only for you," Hayden gritted out, his eyes never leaving her face as she worked him with her hand.

Mira stepped closer, her free hand sliding up his chest to his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. She could taste herself on his tongue, the knowledge adding to her arousal. She continued stroking him, finding the rhythm that made his breathing hitch, learning what he liked by the sounds he made.

"Mira," he warned, breaking the kiss to rest his forehead against hers. "If you keep that up, this will be over too soon."

She smiled against his lips, giving him one more firm stroke before releasing him. "We can't have that."

Hayden reached for his discarded jeans, fishing a foil packet from his wallet. Mira raised an eyebrow.

"Hopeful?" she asked.

"Prepared," he corrected, opening the packet. "May I?"

Mira nodded, watching as he rolled the condom onto his length. Then he was lifting her again, strong hands gripping her thighs as he sat her back on the counter and positioned himself at her entrance.

Mira wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him closer.

Hayden pushed forward, entering her slowly. Mira gasped at the stretch, her body adjusting to his size. He stilled once fully seated, his breathing ragged against her neck.

"You feel incredible," he murmured, his hands stroking her back, her hips. "So perfect around me."

Mira rolled her hips experimentally, drawing a groan from him. "Move, Hayden. Please."

He needed no further encouragement. Pulling back, he thrust forward again, setting a rhythm that had Mira clinging to his shoulders. Each stroke hit perfectly, sending sparks of pleasure through her still-sensitive body. Hayden's hands were everywhere, her breasts, her hips, her back, as if he couldn't get enough of touching her.

"Faster," she urged, her nails digging into his shoulders.

Hayden complied, his thrusts becoming more powerful. The sound of skin against skin filled the bathroom, punctuated by their gasps and moans. He shifted slightly, changing the angle to hit the spot inside her that made her see stars.

"Right there," Mira gasped, feeling tension building again, impossible as it seemed. "Don't stop."

Hayden's rhythm faltered as he fought for control. "Touch yourself," he commanded, his voice strained. "I want to watch you come around me."

Mira slid a hand between them, her fingers finding her sensitive bud. The additional stimulation combined with Hayden's relentless thrusts pushed her rapidly toward the edge again.

"That's it," he encouraged, his eyes fixed on her face, dark with desire. "Let go for me, Mira."

His words pushed her over the edge. Mira's orgasm crashed through her, her inner walls clenching around him as wave after wave of pleasure overwhelmed her. Hayden continued thrusting through her climax, his movements becoming erratic as he chased his own release.

"Mira," he groaned, burying himself deep inside her one final time as he found his own pleasure. His arms tightened around her, holding her close.

For several moments, they remained joined, catching their breath. Hayden's forehead rested against hers, their rapid heartbeats gradually slowing. Finally, he pulled back enough to look at her, his expression soft.

"That was..." he began.

"Incredible," Mira finished for him, surprising herself with how much she meant it.

Hayden nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear tenderly. "Worth waiting for."

He carefully separated from her, disposing of the condom and helping her down from the counter. They cleaned up and dressed in comfortable silence, stealing glances and small touches as if reassuring themselves that what had happened was real.

Fully clothed again, they faced each other in the small space. Reality began seeping back in, but Mira found she didn't regret what had happened. Not yet, anyway.

"So," Hayden said, his hand reaching out to tuck another strand of hair behind her ear. "Just tonight?"

The question hung between them, loaded with meaning. Mira knew what the smart answer was. Yes, just tonight. Go back to being professional. But the words stuck in her throat as she looked at him.

"I don't know," she admitted finally. "This complicates things."

"I know." His thumb traced her cheekbone. "But some complications are worth it."

Before she could respond, a sharp knock on the door startled them both.

"Occupied!" Hayden called, his eyes never leaving Mira's.

"What happens now?" she asked quietly.

Hayden's gaze was steady. "That's up to you. But I know what I want."

"What's that?" Mira asked, her heart racing despite her attempt to stay calm.

"More than just tonight," he said simply. "Much more."

Another knock, more insistent this time.

"We should go," Mira said, not ready to address his words. "Separately. You first."

Hayden nodded, though disappointment flickered in his eyes. He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "Think about what I said. About what you want."

Then he was gone, slipping through the door and closing it behind him, leaving Mira alone with the lingering scent of him on her skin and a decision she wasn't ready to make.