Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha, its characters, or the story 'Tempt me at Midnight' by Maureen Smith, which this fic is based on.
Summary: They were best friends since high school. But after the kiss they shared on New Year's Eve, feelings and desires he's never felt before come rushing in. Can he convince her that what they're feeling is real, that their meant to be more than just friends?
"This is Zina Backster, reporting to you live from the Court of Appeals as we gear up for the fifth day of testimony in one of the biggest whistle-blowing trials the state of New York has ever seen. The defense's star witness is expected to take the stand today to…"
The woman's excited voice droned on as Kagome hurried past the buzzing reporters and cameramen gathered on the courthouse steps. She was running late thanks to traffic, which had been even worse than usual that morning.
As she's stewed in her car, inching along at a maddening crawl, her insides had churned at the thought of seeing Inuyasha for the first time since they'd shard that explosive kiss at her house nearly a week ago. She'd been so shaken by the kiss that she'd seriously considered not showing up for any part of the trail. But Inuyasha was her best friend, and this was one of the biggest cases of his career. No matter what had recently transpired between them, she knew how much he'd appreciate having her there to root him on. That's what friends were for.
Once inside the courthouse, she passed through a metal detector and another security checkpoint before making her way quickly to the courtroom. As expected, it was packed, filled with spectators who'd been lured by the prospect of watching a corrupt health-insurance company gets its comeuppance.
Standing in the back of the noisy courtroom, Kagome scanned the crowd, hoping against hope that she'd find an empty set near the front. But after several moments she heaved a sigh of disappointment, knowing she'd have to settle for sitting all the way in the back. As she moved to claim a spot before even more people arrived, she spied a man rising from his seat near the front, just three rows behind the plaintiff's table. She watched as he strode briskly down the aisle, his expression alarmed as he spoke into the cell phone pressed to his ear.
Seizing the opportunity, she hurriedly made her way to the recently vacated seat before someone else beat her to it. Once settled, she trained her gaze on the plaintiff's table, and her pulse quickened at the sight of Inuyasha, who was conferring with one of his associates from the law firm.
Kagome stared, her eyes tracing the line of Inuyasha's profile to follow the path of his shoulders beneath an expensively tailored dark suit. Her belly clenched at the memory of clinging to those shoulders as she and him devoured each other's mouths. She'd wanted him so damn bad. If she hadn't come to her senses and pulled away when she did, there was no telling―
"All rise!" The bailiff called out, interrupting Kagome's reverie, and not a moment too soon. "The Honorable Judge Tavis Gayle, presiding."
Everyone in the courtroom stood as the tall, gray-haired judge emerged from his chambers and took his seat on the bench. His eyes went immediately to Inuyasha, who was buttoning his suit jacket and smoothing a hand over his silk tie. Meeting the judge's austere gaze, he smiled, a slow, lazy smile that hinted at his irreverent nature. The judge frowned and shook his head slightly, no doubt wondering for the millionth time what he'd done to land Inuyasha, a relentless troublemaker, in his courtroom.
She grinned wryly to herself. 'I feel your pain Judge, believe me I do.'
Inuyasha was facing a formidable adversary. It wasn't the presiding judge, a grizzled relic whose jaundiced glare made it clear he was no fan of his. And it wasn't the team of smug, high-powered lawyers smirking at him from the table across the aisle. Kagome refused to be with him because she was afraid. She was afraid to jeopardize their friendship, afraid to trust him and afraid to get hurt. So somehow he had to find a way to help her overcome those fears so they could be together. It would definitely be a challenge. But when had Inuyasha ever backed down from a challenge?
"Your cross, Mr. Takahashi."
Inuyasha glanced up from his "notes" he'd been furiously scribbling during the defense attorney's direct examination of their star witness. He'd actually been doodling on his legal pad. Depending on the opposition, he often pretended to take copious notes during witness testimonies. It gave him the appearance of being scattershot, not well prepared. Distracted even. In reality, he'd heard every word spoken, deciphered every subtle nuance of the witness's voice. And he knew where he'd launch his attack.
He rose slowly from the table. He felt a jolt of surprise when he saw Kagome seated three rows back. After the way they'd parted company last week, he hadn't expected her to show up for any part of the trial. He was deliriously, ridiculously happy to see her.
When their eyes met, she grinned and mouthed, Go get'em.
He smiled at her.
That evening, Inuyasha invited Kagome and their friends out for dinner and drinks to celebrate how well the trial was going. A court case of this magnitude ordinarily took at least four weeks. In light of the day's surprise development, everyone believed that a favorable verdict for Inuyasha's whistle-blower client was a forgone conclusion.
Kagome and Inuyasha were the first to arrive at the upscale downtown restaurant. After the gushing hostess requested Inuyasha's autograph, he and Kagome were escorted to a posh VIP lounge and served cocktails while they waited for the rest of their party to join them. Although it had been hard to keep her distance from Inuyasha for the past six days, she was glad she'd toughed it out. He'd needed to concentrate on the trial, and she'd need time to recover from their last explosive encounter and shore up her defenses. Now, seated beside him on the plush sofa, not within kissing distance, she felt reasonably in control of herself and the situation. Of course, knowing that they wouldn't be alone much longer certainly helped.
Reflecting on the drama that had unfolded that day in the courtroom, she smiled and shook her head. "No matter how many times I've seen you in action, you never cease to amaze me Inuyasha."
He chuckled softly, lounging on the sofa with one arm draped across the back of the seat cushion and a glass of whiskey cradled in the other hand. He still wore his impeccably tailored Gucci suit, but he'd removed his tie and loosened the top three buttons of his shirt, exposing the strong, masculine column of his throat. He looked utterly relaxed and content, a man at his leisure. He also looked drop-dead sexy.
Shoving the unwelcome thought from her mind, she continued. "Seriously, I've already told you a thousand times what a gifted, brilliant trial lawyer you are. You're absolutely riveting. But I swear, you say and do some of the most outrageous things sometimes. I mean, only you would stop to tie your shoes, then compliment the other guys' shoes, before cross-examining a hostile witness."
Inuyasha grinned, tapping a broad finger to his temple. "It's psychological."
"I know. Everything you do in that courtroom is calculated." She'd seen him manipulate and seduce women with the same finesse. It was downright frightening.
"But all kidding aside." He said soberly. "I really want to win this case. My client stood up for what he believed in, and it cost him his job and his good reputation. These health insurance companies are controlling people's lives, deciding whether they live or die based on how much profit they stand to gain. It makes me sick to my stomach. If I can't get these greedy bastards convicted for their corrupt policies, then taking a pound of their flesh is the next best thing."
Kagome gazed at him, goosebumps peppering her skin. One of the things she'd always admired about him was his fiery intensity. He was passionate about his beliefs, his intense sense of right and wrong. He'd gone into law to become an advocate for those who couldn't advocate for themselves. Kagome used to tease him back in college, telling him that beneath his devil-may-care playboy persona beat the heart of a righteous crusader.
Smiling softly at him, she said. "Your client is very lucky to have you on his side."
Inuyasha met her gaze. "And I'm lucky to have you on mine. Thanks for coming today Kag, I really appreciated seeing you there."
The tender gratitude on his face made her heart squeeze tightly. Averting her eyes, she took a sip of her apple martini and said gruffly. "Don't get all sentimental on me Inu. It's not like I haven't been coming to your trials for years."
"I know." He said quietly. "You've been there from the very beginning, and I want you to know how much that means to me."
She drank more of her martini, swallowing hard.
"Remember my first court case?" He reminisced with a soft chuckle. "I was fresh out of law school, and so damn nervous that I kept mispronouncing the judge's name and repeating the same questions during cross-examination."
Kagome smiled. "You were adorable."
He grimaced. "I was a wreck."
"That too." She laughed. "But you certainly weren't too nervous to flirt with the court reporter."
"Did I?" His mouth twitched. "I don't remember."
"I do. And I can only imagine what her transcript looked like by the time you were through with her. You might've gotten that poor woman fired."
"I hope not."
"Me too." She grinned, then sighed. "Well, you've definitely come a long way as a litigator."
He gazed at her. "A lot has changed over the years."
She blushed, fully aware that he was referring to their relationship. Taking a sip of her drink, she murmured. "Not everything has to change."
"Change is good." His voice deepened. "Very good."
She'd somehow misjudged the reach of his arm draped over the sofa. Before she realized it, his thumb was rubbing the nape of her neck with small, lazy circles that sent shivers down her spine. As her nipples tightened and bolts of sensation zigzagged to her groin, she wondered how such a simple caress could wreck pure havoc on her body. Why couldn't all these pulsing nerves have remained dormant, forever immune to his touch?
She checked her watch, then cast a desperate glance at the empty doorway. "I can't believe everyone's running so late. It's not like them, especially Sango. She's Ms. Punctuality."
Inuyasha took a languid sip of his whiskey. "They're not coming."
She looked at him in surprise. "They're not?"
"No."
"How do you know?" She fumbled out her cell phone. "I don't have any missed calls. Did one of them call or text you?"
"No." He met her puzzled gaze. "They're not coming, because I never invited them."
"You didn't invi―" As comprehension dawned, she stared at him in disbelief. "You set this whole thing up just so I'd have dinner with you?"
"Pretty much."
She scowled. "I don't believe you! Resorting to trickery to get your way? That's so underhanded."
He gave her a knowing look. "If I'd asked you out to dinner, just the two of us, would you have accepted?"
She hesitated. "No."
"I rest my case."
They stared each other down.
"I have to use the bathroom." She blurted, lunging to her feet.
As she strode quickly from the room, Inuyasha called out. "Kagome."
She stopped and glanced back at him.
He was studying the twinkling contents of his glass. "Don't run out on me."
Hearing the veiled warning in his voice, she swallowed. "I won't." But the thought crossed her mind as she lingered in the restroom, retouching her lipstick, combing her hair, doing everything possible to delay her return to him. Why shouldn't she leave the restaurant? Inuyasha knew she was adamantly opposed to elevating their relationship, yet he'd tricked her into having dinner with him anyway. It would serve him right if she left him high and dry. And she could, since they'd arrive in separate cars. So what was stopping her?
"Good manners." Kagome muttered to her reflection. "Loyalty…a guilty conscience, a big appetite." She sighed. "None of the above."
Against her better judgement, she wanted to spend the evening with him. After six days apart, she missed him. Missed him more than she should have.
"God help me." She whispered. Knowing she couldn't hide in the restroom all night, she mentally squared her shoulders and headed out the door. The solicitous maître d' was waiting to escort her back to Inuyasha. But instead of being led to a table in the main dining area, she was taken to one of the restaurant's private rooms. As soon as she steeped through the door, she gasped sharply.
The room's elegant décor featured marble columns and gleaming parquet floors. The walls were hung with mirrors and lush artwork that captured the French countryside. Lights from a crystal chandelier were dimmed intimately low, while candles glowed on the linen-covered table. Nearby, a pair of double doors led onto a terrace that overlooked the glittering night skyline. The soft strains of classic French music could be heard in the background.
"Ohhh." Kagome breathed, gazing around in utter amazement. She'd been transported to France.
Inuyasha rose from behind a baby grand piano tucked into the corner, where he'd been plucking out a few errant chords. He couldn't play a lick, but vowed to learn someday.
"There you are." He came toward her slowly, his gaze latched onto hers. "I was starting to think you'd bolted on me."
"I considered it." But her voice broke, and to her dismay, tears welled in her eyes. "Inuyasha, this is…I can't believe…" She shook her head, too choked up to continue.
"Don't cry." He murmured, humor threading his voice. "At least until you've tasted the food."
She let out a teary laugh. Her heart was so full it felt as though it'd burst out of her chest at any moment. Inuyasha took her hand and led her over to the table by the French doors. He pulled out her chair and when she sat down, he gently pushed it back in, making her feel as cherished and delicate as fine china.
As he claimed his own seat, she braced her elbows on the table, rested her forehead on her clasped hands and drew a deep, shaky breath, praying for composure. When she raised her head again, she found him watching her with an expression of tender adoration. Before she could speak, a waiter appeared with a bottle of Chablis and a platter of French cheeses. After pouring their wine and conversing with them for a few minutes, he departed with the promise to return shortly with their meals.
When Kagome and Inuyasha were alone again, she asked incredulously. "When did you plan all this? You've been tied up with the trial since we got back from our trip!"
He gave her an amused look. "I know how to multitask."
"Obviously." She swept an awed glance around the room. "This is absolutely amazing Inuyasha. The paintings, the terrace, the music. Even the French-speaking waiter. I feel like I'm actually in France."
"Good." He said softly. "That was the point. Since we didn't get a chance to visit that French-styled restaurant while we were in California, I figured I'd make it up to you."
Her heart expanded even more. "But it wasn't your fault. I'm the one who harangued Cajsa into letting me cook dinner for everyone on our last night there."
"I know." Inuyasha smiled wryly. "And I was really looking forward to that meal you promised me when we got home."
She gave him an abashed grin. "Rain check?"
"Definitely." Eyes glinting with mirth, he gently swirled his glass and nosed the wine as she'd taught him.
"No choking." She warned, and they both laughed. A thought occurred to her. "Wait a minute, how are we having French food? This isn't even a French restaurant."
Inuyasha smiled lazily. "I know, but they had this great room with a view, and they were able to accommodate my needs on short notice. As for what we're eating tonight, it pays to have more than one friend who's a chef. The owner of this place pulled a few strings, so I think you'll be very pleased with what we're served."
Enthralled, Kagome shook her head at him. "You know you're not playing fair, right?"
"I never said I would." He raised his glass to her. "To Napa Valley."
She smiled softly. "And unforgettable memories."
They clinked their glasses and sipped, gazing at each other. Soft candlelight flickered across Inuyasha's string, handsome face and illuminated his golden eyes. She'd always taken for granted how remarkable his eyes were, how arrestingly beautiful and mesmerizing. Now she found herself drowning in them.
"What're you thinking about?" He murmured.
"Your eyes." She admitted. "They're incredible."
"So are yours. I can't stop thinking about them." His voice dipped low. "Or the rest of you, for that matter."
Her belly quivered. She drank more wine.
"Your eyes were the first thing I noticed about you when we met." He told her.
Kagome was surprised. "Really?"
He nodded, idly tracing the rim of his glass with one finger. "It was my junior year of high school, it was the start of my next class. The halls were crowded―"
"So you found a cozy corner to make out with some girl." Kagome interjected with a wry smile.
"Don't interrupt."
"Sorry."
"Anyway." He continued pointedly. "Yes, I was in a corner getting better acquainted with a girl―"
Kagome snorted. "Better acquainted."
Inuyasha scowled. "Are you gonna let me finish?"
"Sorry." She bit her lip to stifle a grin. "By all means, please continue."
"Thank you." Humor tugged at the corners of his mouth. "As I was saying, the girl and I were getting better acquainted, but as I leaned in to make my move something else caught my eye. I glanced up, and there was this pretty freshman moving through the halls. She was searching for someone, and I took one look into her eyes and hoped it was me."
Kagome stared at him, her insides tingling with pleasure. They'd reminisced about their first meeting many times over the years, but this was the first time she'd ever heard this version.
"She had the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen." He continued softly. "I won't lie, they took my breath away. And when she got closer and I was able to get a better view of her, it only got better. Our eyes met and she gave me this sweet, shy smile―"
"Before she saw the girl in your arms, who definitely was not smiling when she realized you had a wandering eye."
He grinned sheepishly. "Well, anyway, to make a long story short, the freshmen's smile quickly turned into a frown, and with a disgusted roll of those stunning eyes, she moved on without a backward glance. Later, when we were partnered up in a class we had together, the girl laughed at one of my jokes and that's how I eventually won her over."
Kagome chuckled, nibbling on a piece of cheese. "Yea, that sounds about right." She hesitated, then couldn't resist adding. "I didn't know that was your first impression of me. You never hit on me after that."
He looked amused. "Is that a question or a complaint?"
She blushed. "Neither, I'm just making an observation."
He chuckled, low and soft. "For starters, you made it perfectly clear what you thought of my, ah, wandering eye. I figured I'd only be setting myself up for rejection if I tried to make a move on you. And once we got to know each other better, I realized that having your friendship was more important to me than trying to get you into my bed."
She gazed at him, her heart constricting. "I think that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me Inuyasha."
"Naw." He guffawed, leaning back into his chair. "I'm pretty sure I've said much sweeter things than that."
She laughed, even as his previous words echoed through her mind. She was searching for someone, and I took one look into her eyes and hoped it was me. She shivered convulsively, the man definitely had a way with words. Reaching for another piece of cheese, she gave him a small, whimsical smile. "Just out of curiosity, what was the second thing you noticed about me?"
Inuyasha's eyes glinted wickedly. "Your ass."
Sputtering with indignation, Kagome threw her cheese at him. They were still laughing and teasing each other when the waiter returned with their meals. He set the plates on the table with a flourish and identified each dish; wine-poached salmon with black truffles, cognac shrimp with beurre blanc sauce and foie gras with figs. Kagome was delighted with the classic French food, which she and Inuyasha proceeded to share, sometimes eating from the same plate at the same time.
They talked throughout dinner. Even after all these years, Kagome marveled that they never ran out of things to say to each other. There was a natural flow to their conversation, the relaxed camaraderie shared by two people who could complete each other's sentences, even when they chose not to. At the same time, she couldn't help wondering how it was possible to feel so comfortable with a man who set her blood on fire.
They'd just finished dessert, an exquisite parfait glace aux marrons, when a romantic Viennese waltz began playing in the background. Suddenly, Kagome was transported back to the night of the masquerade ball.
Inuyasha rose from his chair and rounded the table to stand over her, his hand outstretched to her. "I believe you still owe me a dance."
Her heart thudded at the intoxicating timbre of his voice. In the far recesses of her mind, she knew she should just thank him for a wonderful dinner and call it a night while she still could. Instead she smiled, placed her hand in his and murmured. "I believe you're right."
He led her out to the middle of the floor and drew her into his arms. She melted at once, curving her arms around his neck and settling her head against the wall of his chest. They swayed together easily and gracefully as if their movements had been specially choreographed by the great George Balanchine.
'Years of practice.' Kagome rationalized. They'd danced together thousands of times over the course of their friendship. But tonight was different. She felt it as surely as Inuyasha did.
"When was the last time we did this?" He murmured, his cheek resting against the top of her head.
"Danced together?"
"Yeah."
"Miroku and Sango's wedding."
"Then it's been too damn long."
A secret thrill of pleasure curled through her, and she smiled. His strong, lean thighs rubbed against hers as he turned her slowly in a circle, keeping one hand at the small of her back and the other firmly around her waist. She could feel his steady heartbeat, the lift of his chest with every breath he took. She relished the warmth of his body surrounding her.
She didn't want the romantic waltz to end. She didn't want the night to end, period. She was completely caught up in the profound perfection of the moment. So she didn't mind when the hand at her waist urged her closer. She simply closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. A moment later, Inuyasha ran his other hand up her back, a whisper of sensation against her silk blouse. Her breasts tingled, her nipples puckering against his hard chest.
Kagome felt his breathing change at the same time hers quickened. She lifted her head and stared up at him. Though the lights were dimmed low, there was no mistaking the flare of hunger in the glittering eyes that stared back at her. Her heart thumped against her breastbone. Cradling her face between his hands, Inuyasha put his lips across her forehead, her closed eyelids, her nose and her cheekbones before claiming her mouth. Kagome trembled, her senses reeling from the fiercely tender assault. She kissed him back, hungrily seeking the heat and flavor of his mouth.
As their tongues tangled sensually, he stroked a hand down her body and cupped her ass. She moaned. Her blood poured through her veins like heated wine, leaving her feeling flushed and slightly intoxicated. As Inuyasha gently kneaded her bottom, she leaned up on tiptoe until her aching groin cradled the hard, thick bulge of his erection. He groaned, holding her tightly against him while his mouth devoured hers with searing intensity. Her heart thundered, squeezing the air out of her lungs.
"Kagome…" He whispered raggedly. "I want you. Tell me what I have to do to have you."
The words jarred her back to reality. She tore her mouth from his and stared up at him. The raw hunger on his face mirrored the desire rampaging through her body. She wanted him…wanted him so badly she shook with it. It would've been so easy to surrender to temptation, to go home with him and let him make love to her. She ached to feel his body joined with hers, possessing her. But it was too dangerous.
"I―I can't." Kagome stammered, shaking her head.
"Kag―"
Inuyasha took a step toward her and she retreated backward. "I'm sorry. This was such an incredible evening. Everything was perfect, but I can't do this Inuyasha."
He stared down at her, his eyes smoldering with sexual need and frustration.
"I should go." It was more of a plea than a declaration.
He held her gaze for another long, electrified moment, then heaved a resigned breath and muttered. "At least let me walk you to your damn car."
She knew better than to argue.
However she argued with herself on the drive home. Or rather, she argued with her raging libido, which tormented her with throbbing breasts and a deep, relentless ache between her thighs that had her squirming and wanting to climb out of her skin.
She was halfway home before she finally accepted defeat. "Screw this." With barely a glance in her rearview mirror, she hooked a hard U-turn at the next traffic light and headed back toward Manhattan. By the time she reached the luxury high-rise on Park Avenue, she was breathless with anticipation, adrenaline and lust.
She swung into the underground parking garage, inserted a coded key card to open the gate, and then wheeled her car into the empty guest spot that practically belonged to her. Spying Inuyasha's black Jaguar F-Type, she nodded with satisfaction.
Inside the lobby, her stiletto heels clicked on the polished marble floor as she strode to the bank elevators, the flaps of her belted trench coat blowing open across her legs.
"Good evening, Ms. Higurashi." The concierge said as she sailed past him with a distracted smile and a wave.
The elevator whisked her up to the twentieth floor in seconds, but even that wasn't fast enough. When she reached Inuyasha's penthouse at the end of the corridor, she pressed the doorbell and waited, shaking with nerves and excitement. When there was no response, she quickly punched numbers into the combination keypad. As soon as the lock clicked open, she stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Then, and only then, did she have a moment's pause.
Could she really go through with this?
"Too late for second thoughts now." She said to herself. "You're already in the lion's den. Or better yet, the demon's den."
Breathing deeply to bolder her flagging courage, she set her purse on the foyer table and swept a cursory glance around the two-story penthouse, which boasted gleaming mahogany floors, ultramodern fixtures and masculine, contemporary furnishings. A wall of windows commanded a stunning view of downtown New York, now blanketed with glittering lights.
"Kagome?"
Her gaze swung across the shadowy living room, where Inuyasha was slowly descending a spiral staircase. Her pulse hammered at the base of her throat. He reached the landing and stepped into a soft pool of light. He'd changed for bed, putting on a pair of black pajama pants and nothing else. Her mouth ran dry at the sight of his lean shoulders and chest. It wasn't the first time she'd seen him shirtless, but tonight she intended to explore every inch of all that glorious male flesh.
"I thought I heard the doorbell." He stared at her, his eyes shadowed and heavy lidded. "What're you doing here?"
She met his gaze directly. "I changed my mind."
Silence.
"You changed your mind." His voice was a deep, husky rumble in the semidarkness.
She gulped. "Yes."
Another pause. Then came his faintly amused drawl. "Is that why you're still hiding by the front door?"
An embarrassed flush heated her face. So much for all her bravado,
He started toward her. "So what changed your mind Kagome?"
She licked her dry lips. "I don't know."
"You don't know." His slow, stealthy advance reminded her of a hunter who's sighted his prey and wants to make certain it doesn't escape. "Are you sure you don't know?"
Swallowing, she unglued her feet from the floor and took a brave step forward. "I want you." She whispered.
He stopped moving. "I didn't hear you. Speak up."
'So that's how he wants to play this. Okay, you probably had it coming.' Kagome thought. "I want you." She said in a clearer, stronger voice. "I've thought of nothing but you since the night of that damn New Year's Eve ball. I came here tonight against my better judgement because I can't seem to help myself. I want to make love with my best friend, but if you're going to play games―"
As she reached for the door, he lunged.
BlueMoon Goddess: I think you guys know what's going to happen next chapter. So until next time! ^_^