Seeds of Autumn

  Chapter Two

  22nd October

  'Why do you want me to go?' Ariana asked, hating that she was whining.

  'Because I am up to my ears in paper work and have no time for a field trip.' Ron slammed one pile of papers down on top of another and Ariana flinched. 'You know how it is with Central, they regularly gut the place and flog their old kit, but it isn't old! It's only a couple of years since the last refurbishment. I can't let a bargain slip through my fingers.'

  Ariana gave a resigned sigh and set off towards the bus stop. She wasn't waiting long before a bus heading for the city centre arrived, and she boarded quickly with several other passengers.

  Ariana cursed herself once again for not owning an umbrella as she sat on the bus looking out at the pouring rain. The route took her south through St. Mark's, along the edge of China Town and then into Burnside, the financial district of the city. She reluctantly stepped off the bus and ran from the bus station to the Central School of Martial Arts. She darted in and out of office doorways, past huge buildings and across the central plaza, right into the heart of the city where the prestigious martial arts school stood.

  She ran in through the big, glass doors of the school, into the pristine foyer, and shook out her hair and extremities, sending splashes of dirty rain water showering down onto the polished wooden floor.

  She ran a hand through her unruly hair and looked around. There were several people in the waiting area and one very well-dressed woman behind the reception desk, all staring at her and the dirty puddle she had created with her entrance.

  'Sorry,' she said meekly, her cheeks reddening.

  Ariana approached the sour-looking receptionist. She tried her best to smile and pull through the bad first impression she had made. 'Hi, I'm Ariana Yates, I'm from St. Mark's Self-Defence Dojo. I've come to look at the equipment for sale.'

  The receptionist gave her a fake smile and picked up the phone. She spoke to someone in clipped tones, relaying Ariana's introduction, and when she hung up the phone she turned to Ariana with that hideous fake smile again.

  'Someone will be with you shortly.'

  Ariana nodded in thanks and moved away from the desk.

  She waited for a few minutes, staring out at the wet street and the people scurrying by under their umbrellas. Her vision started to blur as her attention drifted away from what was in front of her and odd memories started to prickle at her mind.

  A moment later, the sound of light footsteps jogging down the stairs next to the reception caught her attention.

  A ripple of surprise and recognition ran through her when she saw Rhys approaching and a small guttural noise stuck in her throat, which she promptly cleared and tried to smile casually.

  His dark eyes went straight to her as he stepped into the reception area and he approached her without so much as a glance at the receptionist, who, Ariana noticed, was looking incredulous about not being needed.

  'Ariana,' Rhys greeted her with a smile. He held out his hand to shake hers and she willingly accepted. A little jolt went through her as they grasped hands and she found herself a little short of breath. She felt goosebumps break out all up her arm as their hands parted.

  She suddenly felt far more self conscious about her bedraggled appearance but tried to force confidence to the fore, hoping that it would mask her wet clothes and hair just a little.

  'Hi. Good to see you again,' she replied after a moment. 'I had no idea you worked here.'

  'I teach taekwondo here,' he said. 'I'm just helping the manager out with a few things as we're so busy at the moment. So, I'll show you the kit that your boss is interested in. Is that okay?'

  Rhys showed her around the impressive training centre, it was so clean and shiny, compared to her run down little workplace. Everything smelled new but still carried an authentic feel to it.

  Rhys didn't pass one comment about her drowned-rat look, for which she was grateful.

  He took Ariana into a large studio at the back of the building, all along one wall were pieces of gym equipment and crash mats in nearly new condition. She looked closely at the stock and he let her try a few things to make sure they were in working order.

  She pulled out a mat into the middle of the floor and slipped out of her wet shoes to walk on it. It was a little faded in the middle, but still had just the right amount of spring in it.

  She looked up to see Rhys watching her carefully, his eyes roaming slowly up her body from her bare feet. It sent shivers right through her to see him watching her like that.

  Suddenly he took a step towards her.

  'Want to test it out?' he asked.

  Flustered for only a moment she gave him an uncertain nod before taking a defensive stance. She knew absolutely no taekwondo, but she did teach jieishudan, which was a self-defence style that was effective against pretty much anything.

  Rhys tried to hide a smile, but she saw it playing at the corner of his mouth. She couldn't tell if he found her funny or if he was being cocky. Either way, she wasn't going to stand for it, and she steeled herself against whatever he had to throw at her.

  When he initiated the attack she was ready and easily blocked.

  They sparred, neither one of them landing a serious blow, but there was a glint in his eye that told Ariana he was waiting for his moment an. She recognised it the instant he thought it had come, the moment he was going to stop holding back.

  In a flash she spun him around, grappled his arm and threw him to the ground, landing squarely over his chest with one of his arms still tightly held, and her free hand slammed firmly onto the mat beside his head.

  Their noses were mere centimetres apart. Ariana felt the exhilaration of victory begin to fade and be replaced with a strong heat in her gut that spread quickly downwards, leaving her tingling.

  His eyes were feasting on hers, his breath hot on her face and he smiled, it was a look that told her she was exactly where he intended her to end up. He had let her pin him to the floor.

  Quickly pulling herself together she leaped up and went straight to her shoes, clearing her throat and wiping her clammy hands on her jeans.

  'It all looks great. I'll give Ron an inventory and he'll let you guys know which pieces he wants. I guess he'll arrange a van to collect them too.'

  'Fine,' he said, casually standing and walking over to her.

  He stopped right in front of her, his eyes held hers for a long moment then he stepped back, a satisfied smile on his lips and held out a mobile phone. 'I think this must be yours, it fell out of your pocket on the mat.' He passed it to her and as she took it she saw that a number had been tapped into the phone and was dialling.

  'I take it this is your number?' She raised an eyebrow, impressed with his quick wit and ingenuity. She let it connect to his voicemail and felt her insides flip about.

  'You will call me,' he said, turning and walking towards the door. He looked back, flashing a wicked grin and she stared at him, open mouthed as he left the studio. She didn't know what to make of his attitude.

  He was arrogant, intimidating and manipulative. But he was also painfully attractive, charming, in his own way, and very sharp. As she quietly left the Central School of Martial Arts she couldn't get him out of her mind.

  23rd October

  Hi. I've been thinking about you. You didn't call :( - Rhys xx

  Ariana laughed a little, she liked his directness and, if she was honest with herself, she liked being pursued.

  Hi. I was going to give it a couple of days ;) You're not used to being kept waiting, are you?

  She waited, watching her phone.

  No. I'll see you tomorrow... I'm coming to St. Mark's with the van.

  Ariana's pulse quickened at the thought of seeing him again so soon, which was definitely a good sign.

  Well, I don't know if I'll be there, my hours are erratic. What time are you coming up?

  She was lying, she already knew what time Ron had arranged for the delivery of the new equi
pment, but she didn't want to appear too eager. He was doing enough of that for the both of them and she could tell he liked the chase.

  We'll be there at 11. I hope you can be there xx

  24th October

  The following morning Ariana arrived at the dojo just after eleven, she didn't really need to be there, but she did want to see Rhys, while not appearing too keen.

  The van was parked at the end of the building and someone had rigged up a winch system to lift the gym equipment up the side of the building and in through the fire door on the first floor.

  Ariana stood and watched in awe as two men hauled a treadmill up the side of the building on a pulley and she caught sight of Rhys climbing the fire escape, helping to guide the machine smoothly. Smiling to herself she went inside and ran up the stairs and into the studio.

  Ron was in there, leaning out of a window and shouting directions.

  Moments later Rhys backed in through the open fire door with another man, pulling the treadmill in with them.

  'Where shall we put it?' Rhys asked, turning to Ron. He caught sight of Ariana and she thought she saw a flicker of excitement pass across his face.

  Ron directed them and together they positioned the machine.

  Rhys made his way over to Ariana and flashed her a wonderful smile.

  'Hi,' she said, trying to be nonchalant. She didn't know if it worked.

  'Hi. Good to see you,' he replied.

  They were enlisted to help with the rest of the equipment and hardly had chance to speak again before the van driver was ready to leave.

  As Rhys jumped up into the cab, hitching a lift back to Central, he called Ariana over. 'I'm going to take you out. I'll give you a call to set it up. Okay?'

  She laughed as the door was slammed shut and she nodded helplessly. It seemed she didn't have much choice in the matter, but she found that she didn't mind.

  Over the next few days a few messages flew back and forth. Ariana's friend was throwing an elaborate Halloween party and she suggested Rhys go with her as her “plus one”.

  It's fancy dress. Spooky sexy. She told him.

  No problem. He replied. Ariana gave a wry smile. She had trouble picturing Rhys in a costume and wondered what he would come up with, what any male attending would for that matter.

  31st October

  Ariana adjusted her costume. It was not going to be a comfortable evening, she could tell she would be tugging bits of it out from crevices constantly, but her friend Ben's invitation had been very clear: “Sexy costumes only”, so here she was, dressed as some sort of evil fairy in a black and green corset, black hot pants covered in sequins, stockings and suspenders and tattered black wings strapped to her back. She retained a hint of her own personality by wearing untied combat boots to finish off the outfit.

  She leaned close to the mirror to finish applying her mascara and just as she was applying the last stroke her door bell rang, sending a sudden flutter of anticipation right through her.

  Grinning, Ariana grabbed her little black clutch and left her flat, jogging down the stairs to open the door. She flung it wide to find Rhys stood waiting for her.

  'You're not in a costume.' Ariana frowned at him, looking him up and down. He was dressed more or less as he had been every time she had seen him, in black combats and a vest. To be fair to him, he had dressed up the look this evening with a smart jacket, but it was decidedly not a costume.

  'The scariest things in this world are the ones that look completely normal most of the time,' he shrugged.

  'That is such a cop out,' she huffed. She locked her door and he led her to his car. 'Well, on your head be it if you're refused entry to the party.'

  Rhys chuckled and opened the passenger door for her. She slid inside and tried to get comfortable with the wings on her back.

  'You look amazing,' he said softly, sliding into the driver's seat and starting the car.

  'Thank you.' Ariana smiled to herself as they set off towards the city centre.

  Rhys parked in a small car park close to the venue, which was at the heart of Caerton's night life. The streets throbbed with music from the clubs and bars and people swarmed outside, queuing to gain entry to some of the most exclusive venues. Halloween costumes were everywhere, some bright and humorous, others alarmingly realistic.

  Rhys put his arm around Ariana's shoulders as they negotiated the bustling pavement, steering her away from the slightest hint of aggression or over exuberance.

  On the corner stood an impressive cocktail bar, its large windows looking out onto the brightly lit and lively streets. A red rope was strung across the door and two big bouncers in suits flanked it. A cluster of young women in varying degrees of skimpy clothing stood begging for entry.

  'I'm sorry, this is strictly a private party,' one of the bouncers said, firmly but politely.

  Ariana pulled her invitation out of her clutch as they approached the bar and smoothed out the crease from where it had been folded in two. They squeezed past the persistent girls and she showed the invitation to the polite bouncer. He gave them a brief nod before admitting them. Rhys's lack of costume didn't raise so much as an eyebrow, perhaps because he was as big as either of the bouncers. Or perhaps Ariana's costume got them both past the rope.

  Music blasted out as the bouncer opened the door and Ariana led the way into the bar. She rolled her eyes in apology back at Rhys when she recognised the cheesy music.

  'Ben is, well, he's not afraid of clichés,' she called over the thumping bass. Rhys grinned at her and bent low to speak into her ear.

  'I don't mind a bit.'

  Inside was hot and dark, red and orange paper lanterns were strung across the ceiling and ornately carved pumpkins were displayed on almost every available surface. Not the typical toothy grinning faces of Ariana's childhood, but expertly carved spiders, headless-horsemen and witches glowed in the darkness.

  Low sofas and tables filled the two large windows and all seats were filled by people in outrageous costumes. A woman walked past wearing only a leather thong and a small cross of black tape over each nipple, Ariana couldn't help but stare.

  Rhys nudged her towards the bar at the back of the building, his eyes firmly on Ariana.

  The couple moved through the bustling bar. There was a small stage off to the right of the bar area, with a small dance floor in front of it. A DJ stood behind decks at the back of the stage, while caged dancers flaunted their bodies to the pounding music and a man in a devil costume juggled fire at the front.

  Ariana spotted Ben sat on a tall stool at the bar, surrounded by a small cluster of people but he shooed them away with a flick of a hand when his eyes locked onto Ariana. Ben was dressed in a sharp suit with a vibrant red shirt undone almost half way down his chest, reminiscent of a young John Travolta.

  'Well hello gorgeous!' Ben called, hopping down from his stool, his arms open to embrace Ariana. She grinned and moved in to give him a hug but at the last second he swerved to avoid her, his eyes fixed firmly on Rhys. 'Not you, darling. Him.'

  Ariana laughed. Ben passed for straight easily when sober, but after a few drinks his inner queen came out to play.

  'Ben, this is Rhys,' she introduced them and smirked as Ben made no attempt to disguise his admiration. 'He is straight,' she added pointedly and glanced at Rhys for confirmation.

  He gave a slight nod just for her and placed his hand on the small of her back under her fairy wings as he shook Ben's hand. A tingle ran up her spine.

  'Fine,' Ben grumbled. 'I'm spoken for anyway.'

  'How does your costume fit the brief of sexy scary?' Ariana asked, raising one eyebrow.

  'The 70's scare the hell out of me!' Ben cried and his laugh rang out above the din of the music.

  'What do you do, Ben?' asked Rhys as a round of drinks appeared on the bar before them.

  'Ugh, I work at the city council's Environment and Planning office. Boring,' Ben replied, looking around a little anxiously.

  'Oh, I
assumed you owned this place or something.' Rhys gestured to their surroundings.

  'No, no. Ben's boyfriend, Marcus, is in PR. He throws the best parties,' Ariana supplied, grinning at her friend.

  'Where has he got to any way?' Ben was still distractedly looking around. 'Excuse me. Here,' he thrust a stack of tickets at Ariana. 'Drinks tokens. Have fun, I'll catch up with you later.'

  Ariana watched him dash off to hunt down his beloved then gave Rhys an apologetic smile.

  'He's,' she searched for the right word.

  'Very impulsive?' Rhys suggested and they both laughed.

  The evening passed quickly in a blur of cocktails and loud music. Ariana saw old friends and enjoyed introducing Rhys around. He joined in with enthusiasm and didn't seem to mind being interrogated by her nearest and dearest as they endeavoured to confirm that he was good enough for her.

  It was past midnight before Ariana caught sight of Ben again, he had found Marcus, who was clad in red hot pants, matching feather boa and devil's horns. The two of them were dancing at the heart of the dance floor, surrounded by friends and admirers. She joined them, leaving Rhys at the mercy of some friends and danced until she could hardly breathe.

  Red-faced and thirsty, Ariana returned to Rhys and he quickly supplied her with water.

  'Hmm, looks like I should be getting you home,' he sighed as she slumped sideways into him, a tired smile filling her face.

  Ariana said her goodbyes to everyone and the couple left the heat and noise of the bar, stepping out into the cold October night. Ariana shivered and clutched her arms, cursing herself for not bringing a coat. Rhys cast a nervous glance up and down the busy street, which was filled with people abandoning their revelries, or moving them on elsewhere. He removed his jacket and took Ariana's wings off her back. He wrapped his jacket over her shoulders, carried her wings and took her hand in his.

  Ariana smiled up at him, thankful for the gesture and caught sight of the bright moon low in the sky over his shoulder.

  'Oh look. It's a full moon, on Halloween. How spooky,' she giggled.

  Rhys turned to glance at it and gave a little shrug.

  'It's actually full tomorrow.'

  Ariana frowned at him, it looked full to her, but a prickle at her senses told her he was right. Something cut through her slightly intoxicated haze, a memory, a perception that had lain dormant for a while. She tried to shrug it off, but it tugged hard at her mind and as they walked in silence towards his car she felt eyes on them.

  Rhys seemed to sense it too and gently urged her to walk faster. By the time they reached the car the feeling had passed and Ariana quickly forgot it.

  They drove in easy silence back to St. Mark's. Rhys helped her from the car and walked her to her door.

  At her front doorstep she paused, hoping that he was going to kiss her. While she hesitated, he reached out and gently swept her hair back off her face, tucking it neatly behind her ear. She felt her face flush with the heat of his touch and she cast her eyes down.

  He stepped closer and caressed her cheek with his thumb, his fingers still entwined in her hair. He was so warm and so close, she could feel his breath on her face. She looked into his dark eyes and surrendered to what she knew was coming.

  Their lips met and brushed together gently. Ariana's heart was racing and she could feel his thumping madly in his chest too. The heat building inside flared uncontrollably and she deepened the kiss. He reciprocated and their kiss became frenzied and passionate; their bodies pressed together and his hands held her firmly against him.

  Finally he released her, softening the kiss again before pulling back. She took a deep, shuddering breath and let out a small, nervous laugh.

  'Wow,' she whispered to herself and he chuckled in response. 'Would you like to come in?' she asked, her heart pounding.

  Rhys pulled back a bit and groaned with frustration.

  'I would really, really love to, but I have to be at work at 7am. I'm sorry.' He gently tipped her chin up and looked deep into her eyes. 'Next time though.'

  He leaned in for another smouldering kiss and Ariana tried not to let the disappointment interfere with the goodbye kiss, which was almost as intense and passionate as the first one. Ariana felt heat in all the right places and it was with deep regret that she let him end the kiss and step away from her door.

  'Next time,' she whispered. Ariana handed him his jacket and he went, reluctantly, back to his car. She waved as he set off and went up to her flat feeling both elated and frustrated.