She stopped midway down the steps and stared in disbelief.
"Oh boy."
She said it low enough for no one down there to hear, however InuYasha heard it loud and clear.
Summoning up the courage, she continued her trek downstairs and plastered a smile on her face.
"Hello, Kouga. What brings you here?"
He rushed over to her, grabbed her hand and began his assault of kisses on it.
"Oh Kagome! I thought I would never see you again!"
Pulling her hand away, she looked over at Sango and Miroku.
"How did you know where I was?"
Standing back up, he smiled.
"Actually, I didn't. Miroku and I met in Paris some time ago, and I got his letter saying he was back in town and that I should come see him here. It just so happens that we were talking when I got here, he mentioned your name, and that you were the new help."
Grabbing both of her hands this time, he stared into her shocked eyes.
"Tell me, why would a noblewoman as yourself become someone's maid?"
"Kouga, I appreciate your concern, but it's personal business. You understand, don't you?"
"I could take care of you and your family if you became my woman. Then you wouldn't ever have to work like this."
Shaking his head, he lifted one hand to cup her cheek, but InuYasha had enough.
"Hey! What's going on here?!"
Kouga stopped before reaching her cheek, and Kagome was thankful as she pulled her hands away and moved to stand by InuYasha.
Kouga bowed.
"Forgive me, sir. I just came to be with my friend Miroku. You have a lovely home."
As Kouga scented the air, he noticed something. Standing back up, he saw what the master was and that smell made sense.
InuYasha wanted to pummel the wolf-demon for acting so casual with Kagome.
"If you have only come to spend time with Miroku, then would you mind not harassing my help? These women are just here to do their jobs, not be manhandled, and I'll have none of that under my roof."
Kouga smirked at him.
"With all do respect, Kagome and I go way back. One day, if I can convince her, I'm going to make her my woman, so surely you can make an exception since she is my intended."
Blood boiling now, InuYasha slowly walked down the steps all the way, and stood face to face with the wolf-demon.
"No exceptions, wolf. And she's not your intended anyways, so hands off."
They seemed to be in a staring contest, until Miroku broke it up.
"Okay! As much as I love a pissing contest, how about Kouga and I walk the grounds and get some fresh air?"
Turning from InuYasha, Kouga followed Miroku out, and InuYasha let all the tension loose in his body.
Kagome, still next to him, tried to hold his hand, but he pulled away.
"What was that?"
"What?"
"Don't patronize me! Why was Kouga being so familiar with you?!"
Kagome stared in astonishment.
"I don't know what has you so upset with me, but Kouga is just a friend that wants more. He knows I don't feel that way about him, but he keeps pursuing me. Now, tell me how that's my fault!"
Searching her eyes, he saw nothing but truth in them, as well as her scent. Slumping, he hung his head.
"I'm sorry, Kagome."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Kagome lifted his chin and kissed him softly. InuYasha reacted immediately, but managed to keep it sweet with focusing all energy on keeping control.
Letting up, Kagome smiled.
"I guess I should get the rest of my chores done."
InuYasha watched her walk away with something akin to longing.
Sango giggled.
"You know, InuYasha I don't think any girl has made this much of an impression on you before. Could she be your future mate?"
"There is a strong possibility of that."
Instead of going back to his study, InuYasha decided to follow Kagome and keep her company while she did the housework.