Oh Baby!

Chapter 1: New Begginings

Enough was enough! She was through with men and relationships. She had tried to convince herself that not everyone was the same but when she caught her boyfriend, no ex-boyfriend, in a more than casual manner with her sister Kikyo, she decided had had enough. She squeezed her yes shut as she tried to wipe from her memory the hurtful and humiliating incident at her very own apartment.

FLASHBACK

"Kouga! Sweetie, I'm home." No answer. "Kouga!" Maybe he's in the shower. She hummed happily, as she contemplated joining him. She laughed quietly at how intimate it was between them and how hard it was getting to resist the urges to give herself completely. She was not a virgin but after her relationship with her former boyfriend and fiancé, Hojo ended up in the gutter only tow weeks after her first time, she was a bit wary of trusting anyone so intimately so soon. She thought of the many relationships she had before she met Kouga that ended disastrously and how happy she was to have met such a great person. She rested her heavy luggage in the bedroom and proceeded to enter the bathroom. It was heavy with moisture and the warmth prickled her skin. She could barely see tow inches before her but she did not need to see to know where the shower was. She was just about to call out to him when she heard him speak.

"I like what I see." He said huskily. Thinking he recognized her presence, she proceeded to answer but once again she was interrupted but not by Kouga. A drone sounded in her ears as past emotions swam up and clogged her now aching throat.

"I like what I feel." Said a voice so familiar. She tried to speak to let them know that she saw then but the only thing she could do was stand and listen, silently and tearfully as the two voices indulged in a pleasure so wrong. She could not believe she had stood there and listen to it happen. Her heart beat loudly in her ears as she watched the screen door slide open and the surprised couple stumbled out.

"Kagome?" Kouga said. Kagome's tears had long stopped flowing and her expression long hardened into murderous rage. "Kagome, don't do anything stupid." He said incredulously. Kagome's eyes widened at his audacious claim to tell her how she should react.

"Stupid?" she said in a hushed voice. "You mean like kick your cheating ass out of my house? That stupid?"

"Look, I know how this looks but-"

"DON'T! Don't try to tell me that crap men feed to women when they are caught red-handed. I was here for the whole sordid affair." While the couple argued, Kikyo stood by silently mortified at her own actions. She had allowed the handsome devil to seduce her and in the process done to her baby sister what she had sworn to protect her from. She started to voice her despair but she was effectively silence.

"Keep quiet, you bitch." Kagome spat out in the same hushed voice. "I never want to here your wretched voice again. How could you do this to me? You knew about my life and what I have been through and here you are playing the role of those cheating sluts from my past. You are nothing to me." She inhaled sharply. "I want you both out my house, now. Don't stop for anything!" She yelled for the first time since the start of the scene. "Get the hell out my apartment and life before I really get angry and kill the both of you."

Kikyo grabbed a robe as she bolted from the bathroom leaving Kouga to argue with the silent Kagome.

END FLASHBACK

She slammed her fist into the wall, frustrate that it still cut to the core. Even now, she had unresolved feelings about Kouga. There were many times she wanted to run and beat down his door and tell him she forgave him but when she though of the words he threw at her has he slammed his way out of her life she steeled herself and went on with her lonely, sorrowful life. Her heart broke over the dissolution of her dreams of a family. It seemed she was destined for a lonely life. She donned her uniform realizing she was behind scheduled. The party would start soon and she had a few glasses to rinse and dry before that happened. As her mind drifted off to her dreams of a family, a sudden thought came to her. I could still have my baby! I only need a donor. She smiled at the thought and put her plan into action. After the party, she would aim to make her dreams come true.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inuyasha was not pleased about being dragged to a part tonight. He was in a foul mood. His stupid friend, Kouga had blown a huge deal and as such, the company was anxious to reclaim loyalty. So far, all attempts were useless. Inuyasha sighed and picked up the car phone to accept defeat. The line picked up and the former client answered.

"What is it now?" he asked rudely.

"I just want to let you know that we appreciated your interest in our company and I am truly sorry for the inconveniences caused and the disreputable actions of my employee. This will be my last call to you unless you desire to resume business discussions."

"I accept your apology and since this was none of your fault I will resume discussion with you only if that man is fired."

"Done." Inuyasha said he as already decided to terminate Kouga's employment.

"Very good then. I will see you on Monday." The man hung up. Suddenly, the evening was not looking so bad. He pulled up to the restaurant a few seconds later and handed the car over to the valet. His brother pulled up behind him and stepped out with his new bride Rin. His marriage had shocked him and the world but he did not care. He had found the love of his life and he was determined to keep her. He nodded respectfully then headed into the lavishly decorated room. The smell of roses and food tickled his nose as a hostess escorted him to his table. He had specifically requested a table for one so he would not have to pretend to like whomever they decided to stick him with. He had also requested to have a waiter or waitress to himself and flashed his wallet when the restaurant refused. He had threatened to buy the little restaurant and then sell it. It was an offer management could not refuse. The entertainment for the night was a singer from Jamaica that Inuyasha liked, Beres Hammond. He thrilled the now gathering crowd with his first set of songs before resting. Inuyasha, however, was not pleased with the service from the waiter he was assigned so he went to request a new one; he was in a good mood and would not allow some snobby man to ruin it.

Kagome could not believe her luck. She was going to be stuck serving some guy with a bug up his ass. She recognized the client but her view of him still did not change. She put on her professional façade and got on with business.

"Good evening, Sir. Is their anything else you would like?"

Inuyasha shifted his gaze to the source of the voice. He almost choked at the image of which he got an eyeful. The nymph before him smiled down at him even as he raked her up and down. Her ebony hair was pinned in a tight ponytail at the nape of her neck and her black and white uniform hugged her in places it did not seem possible. Her skirt stopped just above knees he could kiss.

"Sir?"

"Uh-sorry." He found his smile after so blatantly staring at the young woman. "I would like a glass of water and maybe your company for the rest of the evening."

"I will be your server for the evening so I guess I can check that last one of the list." Kagome said. She had recognized the man but up close, he was nothing she had ever seen before. Memories of Kouga and his handsome face paled in comparison to the creature before her. Her thought of children loomed up before her though why it had been in his presence she was unsure. After tonight, she would never see him again and she would move on. She observed him openly as he had just did to her and she saw long black hair and brown eyes that seemed to hide a secret. Even though he was in a tux she could see a strong physique and impressive arms that would feel so good-

She dared not finish this statement as her client waited for his water she assumed. "I'll be back with your water in a minute."

"While you do that I draw you up a chair."

"I will not be sitting here all night. I work here."

"Trust me, your boss will not mind."

"How can I serve you if I'm seated?" she asked looking for a way out of the conversation.

"Dinner is long over as well as desert. The only thing left is the final act for the singer and then we go home." Kagome was stuck. She searched her mind for another excuse but he saw her intentions. "I can see your mind working to get out of this but you've caught my eye and I intend to keep you here for a while." Kagome sighed and drew up a chair.

"Then you can do without water." She said childishly.

"I have what I need." He said.

What was it about his girl that intrigued him? The way her mouth moved as she talked nervously with him threatened to seduce him. He wanted to be inside her head. He wandered if she was attracted to him as he was to her.

"I'm not going to beat around the bush, I like you." He said. This seemed to catch her off guard. "Well?"

"I-I" Kagome thought of her options. She wanted children and maybe she could get pregnant from a one-night stand. If not, she'd go to fertility clinic and get it done. It seemed better to do it with someone to who she was already attracted. Without further thought, she took the plunge. "I'll bite."

"You'd be so open with a stranger."

"You won't be stranger after tonight."

"I sense hidden intentions." Inuyasha said relying on his killer instincts.

"You'll like these." She said huskily. Inuyasha could no believe how unashamed she was being about her sexual interest.

"A minute age you were trying to get away from me and now you're trying to be very intimate."

"Don't play like you don't want to. I could see it the moment you looked at me." She said calling him out.

"I picked you for one of the girls who likes to be romanced."

"I can be but I don't need that now. I'm ready whenever you are." Kagome smiled. Her heart beat unsteadily behind her smile. "Unless I read you wrong."

"Not at all."

"So shall we go then?"

"We've only been talking for an hour." He said incredulously. Normally, a woman who was so forward turned him off but this one was lighting fires in places he did not know he still had.

Kagome saw the hesitation and thought that maybe she was moving too fast for him. She needed to seal the deal. She kicked off her shoe and moved it up his leg with one intent. "I think it is enough." She smiled at him. Inuyasha read her motive and decided he'd best get her out before he jumped her.

"Let's go." He got up so quickly he startled her. He dragged her up and out of the restaurant ignoring the stares his brother threw at him. He quickly procured his car and soon they were speeding to his apartment. She sat quietly, hands folded in her lap as she worried her bottom lip. "Are you sure you want to do this?" She jumped as if she did not know he had been there.

"I- uh-I'm sure. I was just thinking about the job I may have lost."

"It'll be fine." He said concentrating on the road. "But we can turn-"

"No!" she yelled drawing his eyes to her. "Sorry, I'm just a little anxious."

"Don't be. We're almost there." True to his word, they pulled up to a large building and they both jumped out of the car. He carried her to the elevator with more calm than he felt and watched as the doors slid close. He looked at the security camera and decided he did not need the scandal. As soon as the doors opened, he rushed her to his door and almost burst through it if she had not stopped him.

"Calm down, I'm not going anywhere for tonight." Kagome could not believe how calm she sounded. He smiled appreciatively as he opened the door smoothly and allowed her to enter.

Kagome could not believe the size of the room. It was huge and tastefully decorated but she did sense the lack of a woman's touch. Strange how she only thought about his possible involvement with someone else when it might be too late.

"Would you like something to drink?" he asked. She looked at him incredulously.

"How about a glass of you." She rapidly closed the distance between them and initiated the kiss Inuyasha had been waiting for all evening. Kagome was unprepared for the jolts of electricity that shot through her toes and fingertips. She dug her hand into his long flowing mane and deepened the kiss. She felt his hand loosen her ponytail and his fingers knotting in the silky strands. She pulled back reluctantly and smiled.

"Bedroom?" she asked in a whisper. She squealed when he lifted her at the waist and proceeded to walk with her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and resumed kissing him.

"If you don't stop that I can't see where I'm going." He growled. It was rumbling sound that vibrated through Kagome causing her to claw at his jacket - clad shoulders. He finally lowered her and she went to work on his clothes. She was unusually calm but aroused which pushed her to be skillful at what seemed an impossible task. He figured she was taking too long so he ripped off both shirt and jacket sending buttons flying everywhere. Kagome gazed at the muscled god before her and ran a tentative hand over him.

"Beautiful." She said.

"Now you." He moved to rip her clothes off but Kagome knew she needed them intact so she could make her speedy escape when this was all done.

"Let me do it for you." She pushed him unto the bed as he stripped slowly and torturingly for him. Taking note of where she threw them she moved to kiss him. Inuyasha looked at the curves he had imagined earlier and realized how far off he was. She was beautiful.

"Bellisima." Kagome stood back.

"You're Italian?"

"Is there a problem?"

"You just did not sound Italian at all before."

"I have worked hard to perfect my English. Only when I am deeply touched" he said as he ran a hand over her flat stomach. "Does my accent emerge; you touch me."

"I want to hear that voice again." She demanded. He pulled her down on top of him and whispered words to her that she did not have the mind to understand as his hands worked magic over her skin. Kagome had a good feeling this was her lucky night. As he kissed her neck, she regretted her only option of disappearing when it was all done. Then sighed with content as she realized her last sexual encounter would be one she would never forget. Her hands fisted as he brought her to rolling climaxes and then started to build her up again. The next time, he came with her then he fell into her arms completely satisfied.

The dawn light filtered in as Kagome reluctantly climbed out of the bed. She dressed noiselessly then with a final look, she left. She ran to the elevator lest he wake up and see her in the hall. In a few minutes, she was safely out of the building and with the aid of a taxi disappeared from Inuyasha's life.

He woke with a start. He remembered the events of last night and how he shamelessly and recklessly slept with the girl whose name he did not know. He had not used protection and now as he surveyed the room realized she had left hour ago. He was livid. He could not believe she would just leave without saying anything. He slammed the bathroom door shut and hot a cold shower hoping it would calm his nerves; no such luck. He slipped on his running gear deciding he needed to burn off the frustration.

He had run two miles non-stop and still he wanted to wring her pretty neck. He moved faster as he tried to get away from the scent that still lingered with him. He was almost at a total of three miles when he came to an abrupt stop: he was angrier with himself for not making sure she stayed around.

"Dammit. I am the biggest idiot." He yelled in frustration at his hurt pride then turned and ran all the way home. He sat to have a breakfast of oatmeal and all the fruit he could find in his refrigerator. He ate grudgingly plotting how he would find her and still give her a piece of his mind. Her loomed up before him; those chocolate orbs that melted with passion when he touched her, framed by that wonderfully soft hair. He had almost lost in when in her throes of passion she had bit down on his neck. He shot up and threw the bowl into the sink, causing it to shatter; this brought a string of Italian curses to his lips. He would find her if it took his life. He needed to quench this fire she started and he figured seeing her over a period of time would do just that.

Kagome ran quickly to the restaurant. It had occurred to her while eating a bowl of cereal he could track her through her personnel file at work. She had forgotten breakfast and typed up a letter of resignation and was now hand delivering it. She burst in surprising the manager and his wife.

"Sorry." She said clearing her throat as the wife adjusted a wayward skirt. "I just wanted to drop off my letter of resignation."

"You're leaving?" the manager sounded upset. "You're best we have."

"I'm really sorry. I have to leave soon and I will not be returning."

"How come?"

Thinking fast she blurted out a lie she intended to make true. "I'm going home." The manager looked like he wanted to convince her but he remembered her interview when she broke down about never being able to return home. He looked at her with fatherly eyes.

"Are you sure you're ready, chica?" he said in his deep Spanish accent.

"I am, Papi." Kagome said affectionately. She dropped the letter and gave him a hug. "I'll miss you."

"Mi chicita. We will keep in contact." He pulled back to look at her. "You'll always have a job here."

"Goodbye." She started to walk out then turned around. "By the way, if a big obnoxious man comes here asking about me, do not tell him anything."

"Do you mean the man you ran out with last night? He is a powerful man."

"Please."

"I'll do what I can to stall him."

"Thank you. Tell Rosalina goodbye for me." She did not really like the woman because she seemed like she was a gold digger but Papi loved her and she respected his decision.

"Chica? I know you do not like her and I might be seeing why but I'll let you know how it works out for us. I love her."

"Then I pray she loves you as much as I know you love her." She waved and left the restaurant. She took a cab home and began to pack up her small amount of belongings. Ti only took an hour to pack then another hour to clean the entire box they called an apartment. When she was done, she put her stuff into storage and then after stalling called home. The phone ran three times before the soothing voice of her mother answered.

"Hi mom."

"Inuyasha, you seem-" Sesshomaru began before being cut off by his brother.

"I really do not want to talk about it."

"I see. TI is about that girl you left with so spontaneously."

"Sessho, drop it." Inuyasha warned.

"As you wish." He leaned back into his chair before adding. "Mr. Kanasami called to let me know he's back with us of Monday."

"Yes. He did it only on the condition I fire Kouga."

"that brute should never have been apart of the company."

"Family loyalty and all." Inuyasha said as if it explained everything.

"Now it is broken. The swine managed to almost take down the company by just being associated with us."

"He has been seriously acting out ever since his girlfriend through him out over a year ago."

"One year! He needs to stop acting like a child and get over it."

"Well now he can do it on his own time." Inuyasha said deeply ashamed of his friend. The two had grown up, always competing but good firmed nonetheless.

"I know he's like you're best friend."

"Yeah."

"Have you already called him?"

"Yeah. He was not too pleased but he was gracious. I think he understood."

"Maybe when he has grown up a bit he can manage one of our small businesses." Sesshomaru said.

"Thanks, Sessho. I'll let him know."

"I'll tell him myself."

"You?"

"It'll give me time to give him a piece of my mind."

"Make sure it is not too big." The room was amicably silent before Sesshomaru said.

"About the girl-"

"I-"

"You need to talk to somebody. I know your temper. God forgive you see her hanging onto some guy and blow a fuse."

"What makes you think I'd be jealous?"

"I sense whatever happened between you two deeply affect you which is why when you came in you were cursing in your native tongue." Inuyasha had not realized he has been doing that but it seemed familiar.

"Leave it alone. When I sort it out, you will know."

"Just letting you know that I'm here."

"I'm tired of city life. I need a break."

"Then let's go home. Rin has been dying to talk to our mothers."

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru where half-brothers but there was no animosity between them or their mothers. Inukimi and Izayoi accepted the events that lead to Inuyasha's birth and live d peacefully in the home their late husband had made for them. Inukimi had run off thinking a life with her first love was no longer possible only to find out later she was pregnant and than Inutaisho had already started seeing someone else. Sesshomaru had only met his father for the first time when he ten; thankfully Sesshomaru had a big heart. Izayoi welcomed them both warmly then introduced the tow to her own son. Sadly, Inutaisho died five years later and the small group found solace in each other.

"Then let's go home."

"My baby, how I've missed you." Ayumi, Kagome's mother crooned. "You shouldn't wait so long to call next time."

"I know." Kagome said guiltily. She had not told her mother why she had left so suddenly thought it was likely her sister broke down and told her.

"I really wish you'd come home. We all miss you. Kikyo has been moping around for months." Kagome still did not like what her sister had done long ago but recent events etched forgiveness on her heart. Kagome, however was not sure how she would tell her that she was forgiven.

"I'll be home soon enough."

"You said that when you left home a year ago."

"Have a little faith."

"Even Kouga misses you."

"Kouga is not part of my life anymore."

"The boy is deeply in love with you."

I guess she still does not know. "We broke up and that is the end of it."

"Okay."

"I gotta go now. I'll call soon."

"Bye, dear."

"Uh- mom?"

"Yes, Kagome?"

"How is Souta?"

"The same. He has not spoken since you left and he did not want to attend your sister's engagement party."

"Kikyo's engaged?"

"Yeah. It was the first time she smiled since you left." There was a pause. "Would you like to talk to Souta?"

"Put him on." There was pause and then she heard someone breathing into the phone. "Hey Souta." The boy did not answer. "I'm gonna tell you a secret and I know you're gonna keep it." She heard his voice catch. "I'm coming home baby brother. Don't tell anybody; it s a secret for me and you." She was sure he was shaking his head. "I can see your head shaking." He laughed. "See you soon." The line went dead.

Inuyasha was sure the manager was stone walling him but he had a legal right not to hand out information about employees, or in this case former employee to strangers.

"It is important that I find her." Inuyasha said.

"It probably is. I will her your message once she sends a forwarding address and number."

"Why do I get the feeling you're helping her keep me away?"

"Is there a reason on your part I should do that?" Inuyasha smiled and left sensing the fatherly protection emanating from the man. He jumped into his car as anxiety about seeing his mother after so long filled him. He checked for his documents then drove to the airport where the private jet waited for him. His brother and wife were on board and as soon as he was seated, they took off. The shores of Italy called to his confused heart. Rin and Sesshomaru sensing his short temper refrained from speaking to him the entire journey. New York disappeared and then five hours later, they were home. Macerata.

It was three months since Kagome packed up her belongings and she was sure she was pregnant. She had done the home pregnancy as well as going to a doctor. It was confirmed; she was going to be a mother in just seven months. What would her mother say? She made up her mind not to tell her how she actually got pregnant. She boarded the plane bound for a little town in Ascoli Pienco. It was not much in the yes of s big city of New York but it was home and she missed it. She thought how surprised she was when she found out her one-time lover also was Italian. She almost changed her mind when she heard the familiar chords of her native language and the erotic and loving words he whispered while she was wrapped in his arms. She shuddered at the memory happy that it was hers to cherish. She suddenly wondered how he was. She had only spent a few hours with him; a few intense hours but she missed him. She surmised it was because she now carried his child that he would never know about. Guilt pricked at her heart but she refused to give in to a longing that could go wrong so quickly. She would have Inuyasha's child and out of a sense of duty give the child her father's. Jasmine Leone. She watched from the window as New York faded into the distance and home beckoned to her.

Kagome did not go straight home. It was actually four months before she dared to venture up the path that led to her mother's humble abode. She was very pregnant and needed to see her family. She took a detour and went to the store where Kikyo worked. They had always had a connection and even though Kagome entered quietly, Kikyo noticed immediately. Their eyes fused in a telling display of love, affection and on Kagome's apart, forgiveness.

"Oh, Kagome." Kikyo said hugging Kagome around the large mound. "I missed you so much."

"I love you, Sis." Kikyo tensed.

"Even after-"

"You're my sister and besides we all make mistakes."

"I have never been able to forgive myself for-"

"Don't worry about it. It was a year ago."

"Have you forgiven Kouga? Is this his-"

"Baby? No. He made mistake it cost us what could have been a good relationship. I can never trust him with any part of my heart ever again."

"So who is the lucky guy?"

"No guy. I went a clinic." She lied.

"You mean-"

"Yeah. I leave it to my daughter to find her father if she wishes. I'm gonna give her his name."

"Are you sure the guy would want-"

"It doesn't matter. I'm not sure I'll even tell my flower."

"What about when she asks about her Papa?"

"I'll tell her the truth but only if she asks." She rubbed her stomach as the baby kicked. "She's a little feisty today."

"May I?" Kikyo asked uncertain.

"I was wondering when you'd ask." Kikyo touched the swollen abdomen and giggled when the baby kicked.

"When are you due?"

"In May." Kikyo continued to rub the abdomen.

"I'm glad you're home."

"Good. So maybe you'll close early and come with me so I can surprise Mama and Souta."

"Let me get my purse." Kikyo laughed. "I'll ask Matteo to drop us up off."

"Would Matteo be your lucky guy?"

"How did you know?"

"Mom told me. I called her last year. She doe not know about the baby yet."

"She'll be surprised but happy for you. Souta will be over the moon."

"I'm sure. I miss the little brat."

"I always envied you guys and your relationship. He was so close to you. He was devastated when you left. I felt so bad."

"Well, I'm home now and I intend to stay."

"Good, then I can set up on a date with this great guy."

"I think I'll wait until baby girl here is at least a month old."

"I completely understand."

"Let's go."

Kikyo fell silently abruptly. "Kagome? I really am sorry about what happened."

"I know. I am sorry for what I said to you. I should not have said that to you no matter what. All is forgiven."

"Thank you."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Kikyo is that you dear?" Ayumi called when she heard the door open.

"Yes, Mama. I have a friend I'd like you to meet."

"I'll be there in a second." The girls heard plates and pans clinking and both inhaled the smell if Mama's famous cookies. The kitchen door swung open and Ayumi held her heart as she gazed at her phantom daughter.

"Dios Mio. My baby." She hugged her and kissed her before it hit her that there was something between them. "I see you've brought something else with you. A baby?"

"Yes mama. I hope you're not disappointed."

"Is there a man I should know about?"

"No man. I had it done artificially in a clinic." Her mother frowned.

"Well, what's done is done. I will love her nonetheless." Suddenly there was an excited squeal as Souta ran towards his sister. Kagome ran to hug him also and they met halfway.

"My brother. How I have missed you."

"Kagome." He sighed causing all to tear. "Do not ever leave me again."

"I'll carry you along on my next adventure."

"You've put on weight Sister."

Kagome laughed. "I carry your niece in my womb, Souta."

"Really? Can I hold her when she is born?"

"I would have it not other way. Let's get some of those cookies I smell." Ayumi laughed as Kagome licked her lips in anticipation.

"Then we shall feast."

"I miss your cooking Mama." Laughter rang through the house.

Inuyasha had no luck in finding the girl and he still did not know her name. It had been September when they met and parted and now it was July of the next year. He supposed she was not pregnant or she would have called but he wanted to see her. He could not get her out of his system. He told his mother of his plight and she sympathized.

"Time will heal all wounds and bind together all those who love each other."

"I do not love her, Mama. I may be infatuated with the nymph that managed to seduce me after only knowing me for an hour but-"

"Infatuation? Still you search for her. When you realize what has happened to you heart, I know you will find her."

Inuyasha sat quietly after this. His mother intruded on his thoughts one last time before excusing herself. "Did she know about our family and your bloodline?"

"We hardly had time to talk about our respective pasts. I do know she is Italian but like me, she has perfected her English."

"How do you know this?"

"I heard it in her voice when she let her guard down." His mother then left him to his thoughts.

"Inuyasha, we have a situation." Sesshomaru said the next day. "The store we set up in Ascoli Pienco has hit a rough patch. We need you down there."

"There goes my vacation." He sighed. "I'll cal my contact and get a room set up for me." In a few hours, he was on his way to the little town and was not pleased with the data he was reading. He phoned the police and told them to pick up the manager for money laundering then phone his friend and told him to set him up at the B&B instead of the hotel.

"Fine. Why the change?"

"I'm going to need a little home comfort while I'm dealing with this."

"No problem. I'll have the new girl fix the room for you."

"Thank you. Maybe we'll catch a drink later."

"I hope so." The line went dead.

"Is everything ready up there Kagome?" Kikyo said. "Yeah. The window is ready and now your store looks ten times better."

"I always envied your keen eye for detail."

"The job helps me make my own money."

"I don't know why you didn't just accept my charity. I was willing to make you partner."

"I learnt to work for what I want in New York. I'll work my way up."

"You're holding down three jobs. I'm surprised you have time to spend with Jasmine."

"Speaking of which, I should be going. I need to feed her before I got to work. Luckily I can carry her with me."

"The perks of having people in high places."

"I owe you big Kiki." Kikyo smiled at the childhood name.

"I glad to hear that name again."

"I missed calling you Kiki." She hugged her sister then drove home.

Jasmine was surprisingly cooperative and Kagome managed to get to work extra early. She left Jasmine at the day care room with her cousin Yumi and went to work. She was glad she came early because another room was added to her agenda. Working at the B&B was good but tiring.

Inuyasha arrived earlier than he expected mostly because he was driving at breakneck speed. The police called to say they had caught the store manager red-handed and would go before the judge the next day. It was the twentieth of July and he would have to return to New York in August; he could see his vacation time dwindling. He grabbed his suitcase out of the trunk and trudged up the stairs after procuring his key from Matteo.

"The girl is still there so don't startle her with your short temper, Inuyasha."

"As long as she out of there soon."

"She's almost done. See you later."

"Where are you going?"

"I have a date, thanks to the new girl, with my fiancé."

"Have fun."

"I will."

"When do you guys get married? I want to attend the wedding."

"Now that you mentioned it, I was wondering if you'd be my best man."

"I'd be honoured. Keep me up to date." Inuyasha said as he disappeared up the stairs.

Kagome was just smoothing the covers when she heard a string of curses outside the door. Her heart kicked against her chest at the familiar voice. She berated herself for being silly.

"You're imagining things." She went into the bathroom just as the door opened and she heard the suitcase crash to the floor. "I'm almost done, Sir." She called from the littlie room. Inuyasha stilled as the voice washed over him.

"Impossible." He whispered. "I've lost it." He said to himself. He did not answer her but began to empty his suitcase into the chest of drawers and armoire. He was hanging the last suit when the girl came to the door.

"Sir, would you-" she stopped short as the wind was knocked out of her. She came face to face with the phantom she was trying to elude. Stormy brown eyes crashed into hers and she read the anger in them. "This is not happening." She said through her teeth.

"You."