BlueMoon Goddess: Well by popular demand, I'm back with another chapter! I really did have doubts about finishing this story because of the loss of interest. However, after so many people reviewed wanting this to continue, I got to thinking and figured I should finish it. Besides, I've read plenty of stories where authors never finished, abandoned, and even deleted their fics. I know they have their reasons, but since I do have the time to finish it, I will abide by the request of your reviews and finish it. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha, its characters or the story 'Rivals of Desire' which this fic is based on.

Summary: Kagome Higurashi and Inuyasha Takahashi have hated each other since childhood. Now thanks to their mothers, their forced to work within the same business and its making Kagome want to kill him even more. But for Inuyasha, he's starting to see that there's something within her he never noticed before, and it's about time he did something about it.


"Inuyasha." He answered the call briskly, frowning as he studied the latest reports from research and development.

A sweet feminine chuckle filtered through the line. "I have to admit that a company producing women's products was the absolute last place I'd ever expect to find you."

The frown disappeared as he tuned into the voice of his executive assistant, Laura Vicker. "Well, now you can say you've heard it all."

"Have I ever." She added, her laughter fading into the clearing of her throat as she prepared for business. "Anyway, I won't keep you from your feminine products."

"Funny."

"Just wanted to remind you of the benefit dinner you have in Nevada."

Inuyasha was already pulling up his calendar. "Right. Horaijima House. I haven't forgotten." He said, referring to the home for orphaned hanyou children twenty minutes outside of Las Vegas. He'd lost his heart to each of the adolescents when he'd first met them two years earlier. "Can't believe the new building is done already." He marveled.

"Believe it." Laura said with another chuckle. "Clyde Decker says it's a breathtaking piece of work."

"If he does say so himself." He joked, thinking of his talented albeit self-centered contractor just then.

"Well in a few days you'll get to see for yourself. The ribbon cutting is at eleven o'clock a.m., where, as the project director, you will be delivering opening and closing remarks, followed by a buffet luncheon."

Inuyasha was already nodding. He hadn't forgotten one detail of the event. Still, he considered himself quite lucky to have an efficient assistant like Laura in his corner. "Got it all down. Thanks for calling, though."

"Well, I also called to remind you of another event. I want to be sure you can tear yourself away for my pool party."

Shaking his head, he closed his calendar. "Haven't forgotten that, either. Especially since it's at my house."

"You have the better pool."

"Right…same date and time as last year?"

"Of course."

"Then I'm there." He promised, though his mood dimmed a bit. His working relationship with Kagome would probably be over by then. He and Laura spoke a few more minutes before the call ended. Reclining in his desk chair, he toyed with the idea of asking Kagome to go with him to Nevada. He took it as a good sign when she walked through the doorway moments after the thought came to mind.

"Hey, are you making heads or tails of that R and D report?" She asked in a huff, taking a seat in a chair in front of his desk and waving the thick document in the air.

He massaged his jaw and grinned. "Those people think on a level I'm ashamed to admit boggles my mind."

"I'll say." Kagome concurred.

"Um, Kag, before we get into that. I wanted to ask you something."

She placed the report in her lap and folded her hands atop it. "Shoot."

"Come with me to Nevada."

She blinked. "What's in Nevada?"

"A children's home. Actually…" He reiterated, a playful smug smile tugging at the curve of his mouth. "A very elaborate children's home with every convenience and luxury a child needs and deserves. Courtesy of yours truly―" He tugged on the collar of his shirt. "―and a few very decent friends."

Kagome laughed. "I see. Congratulations."

He tipped his head. "The ribbon cuttings in a few days, and they want me to come out, make some speeches, and all that other stuff."

Kagome listened intently as he spoke on the venture. It was easy to spot the pride and excitement in his voice and expression when he talked. She was quite curious to see him in action with children and almost burst into laughter at the look on his face when she accepted his offer.

"You know it, um, it's probably going to be an overnight trip." He informed her softly, suddenly quite unnerved that she'd be the one watching him front and center for a change.

Kagome propped her chin on her fist and smiled. "I'm okay with that."

He swallowed and then began to nod. "All right, well, um, I'll get our tickets. We'll be staying in Vegas, the home is just outside of it."

"Sounds good." She stood and waved at his desk with the report. "Why don't we discuss this later?" She suggested, believing he needed a few moments alone.

Inuyasha appeared relieved. He only nodded, still looking a bit stunned as she left his office.


"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but after that tour, I'm ready to move in!" Inuyasha joined in with the audience when they laughed over his comment.

Following the ribbon cutting for Horaijima House II, the attendants, ranging from state and local officials to philanthropists and parents, took part in a tour of the facility that boasted state-of-the-art necessities as well as the necessities more important to a young child to adolescent.

"Seriously though, I want to thank everyone who made this possible. Whether it was with your money, your contacts, your time or prayers, everyone, including these children and myself, want to offer you our deepest thanks. And now on to the main reason you all showed up today, my cooks are signaling me that the lunch buffet is now open!"

The audience applause was punctuated by yet another round of laughter at the dig. Kagome kept her seat at the table she shared with Inuyasha and the personnel at Horaijima House. She was as engrossed by the speech as anyone, but it was the chance to observe Inuyasha in this setting that she was most taken by. As others stood to make their own reflections on the house for orphaned hanyou children in need, she studied the children in question. They were all camped around Inuyasha when he sat with them on the outdoor stage. Her heart melted at the looks on their faces. They watched the adult hanyou with sheer adoration and, she guessed, a fair amount of secret crushes from the young girls.

She couldn't blame them. After all, what women could resist falling at least a little in love with a man who rescued her from a life of hardship? A life of heartache? She bowed her head as thoughts of their relationship came to mind. He wanted more from her, of her. He thought she was being cruel and she'd given him every reason to think so. Seeing him in this setting…there was no doubt he'd make a wonderful father. Was it fair to deny him that possibility?

"Kagome!"

His voice broke through her thoughts like a battering ram. Returning his wave urging her to the buffet, she left the table and her uncertainties behind, for a while at least…

Although the delightful children of Horaijima House talked with Inuyasha incessantly, they weren't oblivious to the fact that they were in the presence of another superstar. The girls had practically screamed themselves to pieces when they'd seen her on Inuyasha's arm. Kagome spent the better part of her day answering questions about their relationship. Of course, it was worth it to see the dreamy looks in the girl's eyes as they each imagined themselves in Kagome's place. She was content she'd given the girls ample material for sweet dreams that night.


"Making various products for women, building houses for orphaned children…Inuyasha Takahashi you astound me."

Grinning broadly, Inuyasha slanted a stare toward Kagome and shrugged. She'd been teasing him since they'd left Horaijima House and were headed back across the desert toward Las Vegas.

"So how'd you find out about the house in the first place?" She asked, resting her head back against her seat in the Jeep.

He got more comfortable as well. "Trip to Vegas with some friends a couple of years back. Just taking a drive and there the place was. They were in a bad way, but Kanade kept it all going somehow." He said, referring to the matriarch and founder of the home. "Anyway…" He shrugged, and his shoulders lifted beneath the cream suit coat he wore with matching trousers. "…we stopped and spent a few hours there. I've gone back every other month since."

"I'm impressed."

"Ha! And stunned out of your mind!"

"No, no, I knew you were very involved in this, but…" She let the eggshell scarf around her neck whip against the wind as she chose her words. "There's something about seeing you actually doing it that makes it real, you know?"

A muscle clenched in his jaw, his hand tightening on the steering wheel. Seconds later, he was taking the jeep off the main stretch of highway and speeding across some uncharted path through the desert. Kagome swallowed, her heart presently lodged in her throat. Quickly, she did a mental recap of what she'd just said. No, there was nothing snide or even remotely teasing in the words. Yet his expression told her he was suddenly in a mood and it was all for her. She had no choice but to wait and wonder.

He stopped the jeep after driving a few miles. Her eyes remained wide and focused on him as he got out and rounded the hood to her side.

"Inuyasha―" She barely had a chance to say before he pulled her from the jeep and against him. Without a word, his head dipped and Kagome's confusion cleared.

She moaned, her eyes closed as she melted into his unyielding frame. Inuyasha kept her trapped between himself and the passenger door of the vehicle as his kiss deepened. His tongue explored slowly, stroking and branding every inch of her mouth. One hand took up residence around the curve of her bottom while the other settled across her breast. He groaned, discovering his guess had been correct, she wore no bra beneath the elegant gown. Kagome lost her fingers in the silk of his hair, grasping when his thumb stroked her nipple with the lightest caress. She wanted to cry when he broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers.

"I wanted to do that all day." He admitted, his voice low and tortured.

She took the opportunity to inhale a few deep breaths. "Only that?" She taunted.

He pulled back and swept his heaven-sent gaze across her face. Tugging off his suit coat, he slung it across one shoulder and Kagome across the other. Slamming a fist against the glove box, Inuyasha grabbed a few condom packets and carried his burdens to a sandy mound in the distance.

"Inuyasha? Inuyasha, what are you doing?" She asked in a faintly knowing tone. She watched as the jeep was gradually eclipsed by the huge rocks that shielded the hill of sand.

He offered no explanation, simply dropped his coat so that it created a makeshift pallet on the ground. He let her slide down the length of his body and treated her to another devastating kiss while he freed himself from the confines of his trousers and boxers. He dropped to the coat and took Kagome with him. When she was straddling his lap, he took a moment to just look at her. The wind had tossed her hair into a disarrayed cap over her head. The end of one tendril clung to the curve of her lips bruised by his kisses and Inuyasha promised himself that he'd get past the walls to the source of her fears. She was his and it was damn time she realized it.

Kagome bit her bottom lip when he fixed on the thin straps of the ankle-length eggshell gown she'd worn that day. At that hour of the day, the sun cast a golden-orange glow across the desert, and Inuyasha seemed in awe of the alluring tint upon her flawless midnight complexion. She was just as entranced, grazing her fingers across the chords of muscle in his neck. She began to unbutton his shirt, exposing more of his fair skin. She paused to pull her arm from one strap of the dress and threw back her head when Inuyasha leaned in to suckle one nipple with a hungry tongue, causing her to whimper helplessly. Then he pushed the condom into her palm. It was a silent plea for her to set it in place, a plea she could barely satisfy with her hands trembling as they were. She'd scarcely completed the task when he pushed her dress up around her waist. Hands cupped her derriere and settled her sweetly onto the length of his need. She cuddled his head against her chest and absorbed the powerful thrusts of his body inside hers. He winced at the unparalleled pleasure of taking her so suddenly, so widely. Only their enraptured cries echoed in the remote endlessness, their bodies drenched by late-evening sunlight and shadows.


The beginning of a new week found Kagome studying a proposal for a new deal when her phone rang. Praying it wasn't an urgent matter, she answered. "Hello?"

"Hello, Kagome, its Edda Yamoto."

"Hello, Mrs. Yamoto, how are you?" Kagome said, pleased to hear from the older woman.

"I'm doing great Kagome. I'm very happy I caught up with you."

"Is everything okay?" Kagome asked, intrigued by the anxious tone in her voice.

"Well, Tatsuo and I were wondering if you and Inuyasha had time to think about our offer?"

Kagome laughed. "Well, I thought it was already a done deal. Inuyasha and I are ready to proceed full-steam. We've met with our design, marketing and accounting teams. We're confident the deadline will be reached."

Edda chuckled and shook her head. "I'm glad to hear that, dear, but I'm referring to our offer to have the two of you visit our hotel."

"Right…" Kagome sighed, closing her eyes as she remembered. The unexpected trip to Nevada had worn her out in more ways than one. Still, this was business. "Well, it seems to me all we have to do is set a date. I know Inuyasha's up for it and so am I." She prayed she sounded convincing.

"Wonderful!" Edda exclaimed. "Tatsuo and I can accommodate you both anytime. Why don't you speak to Inuyasha and decide on a date?"

"That's a good idea." Kagome replied. "Let me talk to him and I'll get back to you, say tomorrow morning?"

"Perfect, I'll talk to you then."

Kagome said her good-byes, then set the phone down. A concerned look clouded her face as Inuyasha crossed her mind. He'd seemed so distant since their return that she was unsure whether to say anything to him. Finally, she decided she'd have more courage talking to him by phone than face-to-face.

Clearing her throat, she dialed his extension. The line rang twice before the voice mail message clicked on. She hung up and waited a few minutes before trying again. She received the same results. After three attempts, she dialed Sayu.

"Yes Kagome?"

"Sayu, have you seen Inuyasha? I've been trying to reach him for almost twenty minutes."

"He said he was leaving after your meeting this morning."

"Did he say how long he'd be gone?"

"From the looks of him, my guess is he won't be back today. I've never seen him look so edgy."

"Alright, thanks Sayu." Kagome set the phone down. She knew she had to see him to find out what was going on.

Front desk security at Ashton Arms knew Kagome and let her in when she arrived. The chrome-lined express elevator opened right in the living room. She peered out before stepping onto the plush silver-gray carpet.

"Inuyasha?" She called, heading down the three steps leading to the room. The large room, complete with built-in entertainment center, was empty. Going through a set of double doors at the rear, she took the spiral staircase leading to the bedroom.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome called again, frowning as the sound of running water reached her ears.

She followed the sound to a wide door at the end of the hall. Knocking softly, she stepped inside. For a moment she stood in awe of the bedroom. It had to be the master. She realized she hadn't seen it during her last visit to the condo. After a moment, she pushed the heavy oak door shut behind her and walked farther into the room.

Kagome identified the running water sound as the shower. She spotted another door at the head of a short stairway. 'Must be the bathroom.' She guessed, ascending the stairs and opening the door. The shower was running full blast and steam blanketed the huge area. A small, wicked smile crossed her lips and she removed her dress and underthings. She made her way across the black-tiled floor and up the curved steps that led to the shower door. Pulling the heavy glass door aside, she stepped inside.

Inuyasha had his back to the door and was holding his head beneath the water. He reached for the soap and was working the bar across his taunt, chiseled chest when he turned. His eyes narrowed seeing pretty polished toes on the shower floor. When he saw Kagome standing before him, the soap slipped from his hands.

"You wanna bend over and get that?" She asked, her lips twitching as she watched him.

"What?" Inuyasha absently replied, having forgotten about the soap. Though he was still angry with her, there was no way he would pass on the treat he was being offered.

Her smoldering stare was soft as it caressed his wet silver mane and handsome face. She almost moaned at the sight of his gorgeous physique glistening with water and bubbles. Tentatively, she stepped forward to trace his biceps with her fingers.

Inuyasha groaned beneath the soft touch and caught her waist in his hands. He heard her gasp when her breasts crushed against his chest. At once, his lips found the sensitive skin below her ear. His hands fell to her derriere, gently squeezing before lifting her against his stiff arousal.

"Inuyasha…" Kagome moaned, her arms encircling his neck. Her fingers gripped his wet mane as she pressed a multitude of kisses to his cheek.

He backed her against the wall, directly beneath the invigorating spray of water. Her hands fell away from his body to splay against the black tile. She felt him position her and step between her legs to hold her in place with his knee. He whispered low, seductive words in her ear and Kagome melted from the intensity of their meaning. Inuyasha's muscles flexed impressively when he loved her with his hands and mouth.

What sounded like a low growl to her, rumbled in Inuyasha's chest and she grasped the length of his arousal and stroked him to an oblivious cloud of desire. The increased sensation was as unexpected as it was incredible. He buried his face into the side of her neck and whispered her name. The steamy beads of water pounded their bodies as they rocked against each other in sensual bliss. A long while later Inuyasha shut off the water and traded the shower for the bedroom.


"Sayu said you seemed to be in a bad mood when you left." Kagome told Inuyasha as they lounged in the huge bed in the center of the room.

He rubbed his cheek absently against her silky ebony hair. "I was."

"Is there anything you want to talk about?" She asked, her eyes tracing his biceps in fascination.

Inuyasha grimaced and shook his head. "I just hate it when people keep things from me." He told her, his eyes narrowing as he looked down at her.

Taking a deep breath, she rested her palm on his chest and propped her chin on the back of her mind. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

He shrugged. "I rather not. I'll just let it work itself out."

She remained silent, trying to think of something to lighten the mood. Suddenly she remembered. "Edda Yamoto called me today."

"Really?" He replied, sounding as though he couldn't have cared less.

"Well, I know we just came back from Nevada, but you already got the expense account approved and I think our moms would be happy if we made this visit while they were away." She pointed out while tracing the line of his collarbone with her fingertips. "All we have to do is tell Edda and Tatsuo when we want to come to out."

The longer Kagome talked about a trip to Japan, the more interested Inuyasha became. Perhaps it would do them good to get away for a while. Maybe he could even use some time to find out what she wasn't telling him. "Why don't you call and set it up? The sooner the better."

Her face brightened with happiness, as she scooted up in bed and threw her arms around his neck. His expression, however, remained hard.


"Do you think we've punished them long enough, Kozakura?"

Kozakura shrugged, adding another ice cube to her tea. "I don't know. When I talked to Kagome the other day, she sounded so happy. It seems that she and Inuyasha are getting along pretty well."

"I haven't talked to Inuyasha in a while." Izayoi mentioned, leaning back in the lounge chair she occupied. "It'll be a shame when we tell them we've decided to sell the company."

"It might, but maybe they'll be happier. They do have their own careers to tend too." Kozakura said. "Though I don't think they would appreciate knowing this was all a part of some huge match-matching scheme."

Izayoi laughed. "I am sure they will get over it, especially when they find out how much money they will be getting from the sale!"

Kozakura lifted her glass for a toast, then joined her friend and business partner in laughter.


"Oh, that's great! We can't wait to see you both!"

Inuyasha and Kagome exchanged smiles across the desk. They were taking a conference call with Edda in Kagome's office. Edda was delighted that they'd decided to take the trip.

"We'll have everything ready when the two of you get here."

"We can't wait." Kagome told her.

"Neither can we! Also, Inuyasha, we have a lovely dojo style room, so please come prepared to work on your swordsmanship."

Inuyasha, who was seated behind Kagome's desk, propped his elbow along the arm of the chair. "How'd you know I practiced swordsmanship?"

Edda chuckled. "I could tell from looking at your hands. They don't look that way from just wielding a kitchen knife. Besides, my oldest daughter practices kendo and I'm sure she'll give you a run for your money."

"Well, maybe I and your daughter could have a little old fashioned sword fight." He suggested, coyly.

"I'll certainly let her know." She chuckled lightly. "Kagome, I can't wait to see you."

"Same here Edda. We'll see you then." When the connection broke, Kagome sent a wicked smile across the desk towards Inuyasha. "She sure fell in love with you. I'm sure now she and her daughter will try and go to all of your restaurants."

"Excuse me?" He replied, pretending to be confused.

"Oh come on, don't tell me you didn't notice how she was basically trying to play matchmaker for you and her daughter."

He shrugged and pushed his frame out of the chair. "Well, I'm sure that doesn't bother you. Especially since all we've got going is a fling."

She smarted as though she had been slapped. The tone of his deep voice and the rigid set of his shoulders told her his mood hadn't improved much from the previous day.

"Inuyasha, what is going on with you? Did I do something?"

"No."

"Then what is it?" She demanded, standing. "I mean, I've tried to ignore it, but it's obvious something has you upset."

"It's nothing Kag, all right." He insisted, shoving both hands into his gray trouser pockets and turning to face her. "I guess I'm just uptight about this interview tonight." They had both called to confirm their interview early that morning.

Kagome looked shocked. "You? I don't believe it."

His brows pulled together as he frowned. "What's not to believe?"

She crossed her arms over her snug-fitting, scoop-necked green top. "You have interviews about your career or something you're involved in almost every day."

"Yeah, but it's different when you're the CEO of a business."

She smiled. "They're at least a dozen jokes ripping through my head."

"Feh, I'm sure."

"But…" Kagome sighed. "I won't say a thing, except you'll do fine. I know it."

"Thanks." He mumbled, though he wasn't the least bit on edge about the interview. Still, he had no desire to tell her what the real problem was.

"Speaking of the interview." She whispered, bouncing across the office to grab her purse off the windowsill. "I've got some things to handle before tonight."

Inuyasha made no response and only watched her as she left the office. The hard, guarded expression returned to his face.


BlueMoon Goddess: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Since I haven't really focused much on my InuYasha fics (I've been more focused on my two Dragon Ball Z fics), I will be going back to doing my InuYasha fics, and maybe have another one up soon. I'm starting to get back into the groove of this story, so I might be updating this again slowly. Though like I mentioned last chapter, it just might take a bit longer to do so. So, until next time guys! ^_^