Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.

Summary: Kaoru is a well known couples therapist whose dark secret is revealed: she has never had a boyfriend. So now she must advise a famous CEO, Kenshin Himura, on how to treat women to regain back her life and reputation. KK.

Note: This idea came from a book I have, but not have read yet. The novel is by Jane Heller, and it is called Female Intelligence. The board memember thing was also in her book, you will see what I mean.

Love, Seduction, and Counseling?
By: Espiritus
Chapter Four

The call came around three p.m., that is three days after Kaoru spilled her guts in the park to Tomoe. She didn't expect it, nor did she really quite like it, but Kaoru found that she was unable to say no.

So now, two days after the call, after going shopping to buy a new dress (since she hadn't bought one in ages), and after telling both Misao and Megumi that a friend invited her out to dinner at some high-class café, she was on her way out.

A small smile blossomed from nervousness. Why was she so nervous?...well meeting new people that hung around famous rich persons did do that to her at times. It was silly to feel that way she knew logically. Kaoru told herself that she should've been use to it, but in all truth she wasn't.

It was a sick sick disease.

But before she could consider the topic any further there was a white, blinding light flashing from the side of her face, and for a minute Kaoru was caught like a deer in the head lights. Oh God, no.

Looking to the source, Kaoru saw a man in a cheap vest and cargo pants snapping away at his camera, a camera aimed directly at her. Her first emotion was to blush, but on second thought, and after thinking about the situation, anger stole over that sensation.

"Doctor Kamiya, where are you going this fine night?" The man called.

Where was a pipe when you needed it?

Quelling her anger, and not wanting a lawsuit on her hands for beating up a man, Kaoru fisted her hands almost breaking her purse in the process. If she did beat down the man where would her communication skills be then? Oh, the public would have a field day. Re-adjusting her dress, Kaoru stood her full height, narrowed her gaze, and said, "I don't see how that is any of your business, and hasn't anyone told you that my life is yesterday's news? Go away, please."

Kaoru applauded herself for keeping a tight control of her voice, it was quite hard with the man smiling like a ridiculous snake.

"On the contrary, Doctor, people still wish to hear about you, the twenty-seven year old virgin." He snapped another picture. "So please be kind a smile, all your other photographs never come out any good."

Kaoru's eyebrow twitched; like she really gave a rat's ass if she was photogenic or not. She wasn't a model, good God.

She smiled and before he could take another picture jumped into the nearest taxi and ordered the driver to splash the man with the build up of water on the side of the road. She didn't think he would actually do it but he did and Kaoru laughed.


"She's late, Tomoe." Kenshin put quietly regarding the people around himself and, at the same time, ignoring the women who smiled at him constantly. "Not good."

"I'm sure she has a good reason and, Kenshin," Tomoe exasperated looking at her watch, "She still has seven minutes to get here."

Akira laughed, "That's Kenshin for you, Tomoe. When he says a time he really wants you there ten minutes before."

Tomoe shot them both a dirty look after her third attempt to spot the raven haired doctor. "So, Kenshin, did you get those pictures I sent you earlier?"

Curious about Akira's statement she turned to the two men. "What pictures?"

"Kenshin thought it might be better that he see this Doctor Kamiya before she arrived. He wanted to make sure she was ugly or something like that, but I wasn't able to get the picture until two hours ago."

Tomoe huffed, "Kaoru isn't ugly in the slightest, Kenshin, how dare you say such a thing."

Kenshin shrugged remembering the pictures of a raven haired, blue eyed woman in her late twenties who, in his view, was not what he would call beautiful.

"You think?" Tomoe frowned at the arrogance in his voice, but he went on as if he didn't see her.

"The pictures I have tell me a different story." Akira laughed falling silent when Tomoe glared at him.

"I'm telling you, Kenshin, she isn't ugly...maybe she just isn't photogenic. You know some of people aren't."

Kenshin allowed himself to laugh, "Tomoe, Tomoe, Tomoe...that's why I love you so much, you're always so sweet."

"You will eat your words, Himura." Tomoe firmly said turning her body around to see if Kaoru arrived yet. Akira grinned at him.

"Himura, maybe you should cut this doctor some slack, she really may not have that photo-smile."

Kenshin shook his head taking a sip of his gin. This little dinner party would be amusing to say the least. First, he would make some moves on the poor spinster, lead her heart to think she had a chance, and then simply drop her. He may even ask for her number, he mused. The doctor did deserve a little fun, and he was the perfect guy. What women didn't want him?

He wasn't being arrogant; it was a matter of truth. Never had a woman turned him down. Never.

"Good evening, Tomoe." A thick, sweet voice broke his revere, "How are you?"

Kenshin's eyes narrowed. Long raven hair, blue eyes, olive skin, late twenties...this couldn't be Doctor Kamiya. No it simply couldn't be. While the woman in front of the table was not beautiful like Tomoe she held something in her posture; the way her eyes lighted up when she talked; it was like she gave off an air of natural beauty and strength.

He frowned. If he were to give her anything he would call her attractive, somewhat.

"Have you met my boyfriend, Akira...and of course you have heard of Kenshin Himura."

They locked eyes and Kenshin willed her to look away, but to his surprise she did not, instead she took a seat next to Tomoe. "I thought you said a friendly dinner, Tomoe."

She was mad. Kaoru knew she shouldn't have come. When she first walked into the room and spotted Tomoe she was happy, but that did last long when she viewed a familiar red-haired man; Tomoe's ex, the god, Kenshin Himura. Kaoru felt like such an idiot, she felt so duped, but she told herself she would not run. Kaoru Kamiya was no coward.

If Tomoe wanted a friendly dinner then so be it. She was only trying to help anyway.

"This is a friendly dinner, Kaoru." Tomoe countered scooting her seat closer to the other woman. Kaoru looked up to face the two men with a smile on her face.

"I never expected to have dinner with the infamous Kenshin Himura." The red-haired man raised his glass but said nothing. Her comment went unanswered.

Of all the nerve…

Kaoru felt herself sweat drop. What? was he too impolite not to answer back? Glancing at Tomoe from the side of her eye, she saw the woman shake her head.

For some odd reason Kaoru felt a challenge and felt giddy inside. From what she'd seen from Himura so far she knew that he did indeed need help with his communication, even if it was a simple lesson in manners. "Mr. Himura, do you find yourself too good for me to be polite and answer back?"

Kaoru saw the instant shock on his face which was quickly replaced by a hard gaze, she felt Tomoe suddenly stiffen beside her, but what made her smile was Akira's laugh.

"Oh, Tomoe, this doc right here is great. Bring her by more often." He paused to laugh a bit more, and turned his attention on Kaoru.

"Doc, may I be the first to say that you have forever received my admiration. I haven't seen Kenshin here spoken to in such a way since...well, never."

Kaoru's mouth quirked slightly when he called her Doc. Usually people who abbreviated titles, in her studies, were either complete morons or comfortable in a person's presence. For Akira, she guessed the later.

"I do not see what is so amusing, Akira." Kenshin said plainly, his narrowed eyes never leaving Kaoru's face.

To say that he was pissed was an understatement, who the hell did she think she was talking to him like that? Tomoe placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear while Kaoru was talking to Akira.

"Did I not tell you she was different?"

"You did not tell me she was irritating."

"Hey, no secrets right?" Akira said mockingly smiling at Kaoru once more, "I heard that you, Doc, had a plan to offer to Kenshin. Is that true?"

At least she had to decency to blush, Kenshin mused drinking his gin. "Yes, Doctor Kamiya, pray tell. I would love to hear this proposal. Tomoe has already briefed me a bit, but I would like to hear it from your wonderful lips."

Kaoru steadied her gaze at him. He was mocking her. He was mocking her and she was already humiliated, she wanted to grind her teeth, and yell at Tomoe for repeating the nonsense that came out of her mouth. God, could this night become any worst?

Reaching for her water, Kaoru sipped it slowly trying to get her nerves back to par to come up with the right answer. "It was just a silly notion brought upon by a woman who was slightly stressed and sleep deprived."

Okay, slightly stressed was a lie.

"Slightly stressed, Doctor Kamiya?" Kenshin learned forward so that he was closer to her, "You have just basically lost your job and you're slightly stressed?"

Kaoru was proud that she didn't gulp, in fact she was amazed that she felt no fear at all when he clearly mocked her. He was just an arrogant, spoiled man who thought he always got what he wanted. Well he had another thing coming that was for sure.

Kaoru learned forward giving him a saucy smile or at least she hoped it was. "Yes, slightly. In my experience being overly stressed leads no where, only depression and maybe suicide," Akira chuckled at the statement.

"What I have found is that by limiting your stress and worries one is able to overcome much more since they have a clearer head on the subject. Therefore, I dismissed the notion of you backing me quickly."

Kenshin smiled sinisterly, "Then can you tell me why records show you at my office for at least a week?"

Curses! He was good.

And disappointingly, Kaoru couldn't think of a reply, she only could stare agape at Himura's arrogant face which just mocked her. It hit her then...how did he know. Maybe when Tomoe told him about her he talked to his Nazi secretary, yet Kaoru was not going to ask, if he wanted to be a pompous jerk about it then let him be.

"Touché, Mr. Himura. I'm afraid I have to admit defeat on this occasion." Kaoru looked up at his face to see his startled expression.

It was a strange look as though he had never seen anyone blatantly admit their own defeat, it was something Kaoru hated doing, but was needed. Unneeded pride and stubbornness lead to a world of trouble, she learned that at an early age.

"Wow, Doc, you really are amazing." Akira patted her back smiling. "People who know defeat most of the time know victory, or so my father always said, and I think he's right."

He looked over at Kenshin who still was silent, he wasn't even gloating anymore.

"You should take a lesson from her, Himura." His voice was strangely firm as he took Tomoe's hand and lead her onto the dance floor leaving the red-haired tycoon and the discredit therapist alone.

"Tell me," Kenshin stated from out of the blue, his face was a mixture of anger and frustration yet his voice quite. "Why are you here?"

Kaoru was flabbergasted by the question, knew her answer, but said it slowly. She was on thin ice, he suspected her for something; she had been afraid of this. "Tomoe invited me."

His voice became harsh, "Don't lie, Doctor Kamiya. You're using Tomoe to get to me, why?"

Kaoru clasped her napkin harder and for a second her eyes flinched to the knife that sat innocently by her plate. Oh how she wished just to stab him in the eye.

"What makes you think that, Mr. Himura, when it was she who approached me in the park, or did she not tell you that?" The look on his face said nothing; the arrogant bastard probably wouldn't even apologize to her.

"I didn't come here to be insulted by the likes of you, no matter what you may think I don't seal deals by underhanded tactics."

She hoped he got the jab, and when he frowned she knew he did. "Yes, I admit that I wanted you to back me for some publicity to say that I wasn't a useless therapist, and in turn I would have helped you.

"You see, Mr. Himura, your public image is far from sparking and by tweaking your communication issues--yes you do have issues--I'm positive it would have helped in some of your investments. I did do my research on you, Mr. Himura, because for a moment in time I though that my plan maybe could work."

Kaoru took a deep breath to calm down her red face. She was glad that they hadn't attracted any attention to themselves, because as far as she was concerned his damn probing eyes on her was enough to handle. He didn't trust her, she knew that and didn't care, but he insulted her honesty and that was something she did not take lightly.

Kenshin's face showed nothing.

The woman was absolutely frustrating, and yet refreshing in a way. He still did not trust her...she was too blunt about things, but she did say Tomoe approached her and not the other way around.

Could he have made a mistake? If he did, he wasn't going to admit it, he did not need to. Thinking over what she said about his image, and what his fellow board members had told him just two days ago, he thought it would be in everyone's best interest if she did aid him with his career.

She had enough spunk to keep him amused.

Still he didn't like the idea, but the board was getting antsy about the whole Frent&Stan Corp. situation and that was the last thing he needed. Besides, this doctor was different and he always did like a challenge. By the end of a few months she would be his, and by that time her heart would be crushed.

He smiled.

"What if I say to you that I will accept your proposal?"

Kaoru who was drinking her water chocked and was surprised when he handed her a napkin. "W-What?"

She got her own napkin having him simply shrug and put his back down.

"My board members, such as Akira, think it is best if I 'improve' my image." He leaned back, "I don't want your help, let's get that straight. I just need my board to feel more comfortable with the whole new deal going on with Frent&Stan."

He looked at her to see if anything flickered in her eyes. There was nothing.

"So what do you say?"

Kaoru eyed him suspiciously. Could this really be happening? Did he just say that he would accept her help with his image? She wanted to slap herself, she wanted to jump around and laugh, but she was an adult now; an adult who didn't trust the man.

"What if I say I don't trust you?"

For the first time that evening he laughed a deep throaty laugh which made her stomach flutter unintentionally. She thought it best to ignore it. "Then we are in the same boat, Doctor, it's your call."

Kaoru looked down at her hands going all over the pros and cons once again. She could make this work, she would and could. Himura would be a challenge, but she loved the tough cases. But, Kaoru closed her eyes briefly; if she failed this one her career would really R.I.P. Was she willing to take that chance?

Gazing back up to Kenshin's handsome face she knew her answer. Winners were always risk takers, and though she couldn't usually call herself risky there were times such as this that made her rise to the challenge.

"Mr. Himura, you have a deal."

A/N: Thank you for reading this chapter and I hope it wasn't as bad as I think it was...I may end up redoing it, but I don't know.

Kenshin is such a bastard, don't you think? Lol.

I'm sorry if this chapter is too short for your taste, but all the conflict wore me out. I know that sounds weird, but I was afraid if I wrote even more it would make it worst. I really do think this is my worst chapter yet, I'm sorry. But it's better than nothing, right. At least, I hope it is.

Please. Please. Please. Read and Review, I would very much appreciate it.

Oh yeah, this is kind of a new type of writing style for me, I can't explain it, but please could someone tell me if I'm doing an okay job at it. I'm getting the feeling it kind of sucks. Okay well thanks again for reading!

Thanks To

Drawkcab: Okay can you please untie me now, I did what you asked of me...please, I'm getting really hungry! Lol. I hope this chapter fits your taste, I must admit that it isn't one of my best, but thank you for reviewing that last chapter anyway. Can't wait for another review from you; there always so funny and make me laugh. Oh yeah, I read your profile, and I think that's adorable when your sister woke you up at 5am to tell you see like chocolate milk. Lol.

Neko-Yuff16: Well yeah...he kind of did think she was attractive, but that bastard is still an ass, lol. Sorry for the curse words, but they fit Kenshin's character now so perfectly. What did you think of their interaction, I don't think it is the best I have ever written, but hey, I'm a writer in training still. Thank you for the review, bye!

Sims are awsome: Well I hoped you like this chapter, you finally have your wish for them to meet. I know it wasn't good or a great meeting, but I did have fun writing it. And about him being Battousai like, yeah he is, but I think I went a little over board with him being a jerk, but whatever, I still love him. Thanks for the review, bye!

royal blueKitsune: I don't think I have mentioned it before but your name is really...err...for lack of a better word different. No, no, I like it I really do; it's really cool. Iono, I'm just strange, and I really do love your name, but I was just wondering how you came up with it...it is really, to me, imaginative! I give you props. And please, oh please don't kill me because then you will never see the end of the story, ne? And what do you mean "he doesn't know her"? And yes, Kaoru in my opinion is really pretty as well, though I think the creators of RK didn't mean her to be drop dead gorgeous, I think they meant her to be like a simple kind of beauty, ya know, and that's how I wanted to portray her as in this story. But enough with my stupid ramblings. Thank you for being such a loyal reviewer to all my stories, I love you for it. Lol. I can't wait to hear from you again! Bye.

Lost Secrets: Okay just don't fall off, I don't want a lawsuit on my hands, ya know. Lol. Well I hoped you enjoyed this chapter no matter how badly it was written. Thank you for taking the time to review, bye!

The-Lone-Lemon: Have I told you I like your name...bah...oh well! Okay well I hope this has satisfied your anticipation for the time, I just hope I haven't made you wanna run away and never read my story again, lol. Thank you for everything!

Black Metalmark: Thank you for saying Kenshin's arrogance fits the plot, I thought so too. In the book by Jane Heller, I don't think they guy was as arrogant, he was just a real chauvinist, but yeah...her story is much better, you should read her book. It was quite amusing. That is if you don't wanna wait for what happens in my story, you can she how she did it. But don't worry, my ending isn't going to be like hers...I don't think mine will have as much drama (though her book wasn't really really dramatic.) Oh look at the time; I have talked too long…hehe. Sorry. Oh yeah, and I do like Tomoe, just not really with Kenshin. I think they should be friends, besides she is a good person, I can't not help but like her...not as much as Kaoru though. Thank you, thank you for reading!

Kaname-chan: You think my story is good blushes Thank you, I really don't think so myself, I just merely write for fun, that's why my grammar is so terrible. Well thank you for taking the time to reply, I really do appreciate it. Bye.

Reignashii: Yeah, so you like Kerry...I thought making her kind of...err...bubble-ish, and not in a good way, would be fun. And you don't like Tomoe? I have to say that I really don't mind her, and though I don't like her with Kenshin, I like her to be his friend, besides she did help him and she is a kind person. Lol. Well I hoped you like this chapter, and I'm glad I made Tomoe okay in your book in this story. And don't worry I won't take this story off. Thank you for reviewing, I will look forward to hearing from you again. Bye!

MysticalElfGoddess: I hoped I updated this chapter quick enough for you, I just hoped to God that it didn't suck. I don't think it was my best chapter ever, it took alot out of me with all the conflict, but over all it was fun to write I have to admit. Thank you for reviewing, Kai. Bye.

Erin: Really it has a twist, where...sorry I'm kind of hyped up on medication right now for my surgery, so I may be a little out of it. But your probably right, it most likely has a twist. And yay, I'm glad you don't mind Tomoe, she is not that bad of a person, I like her, but I prefer Kaoru. Thank you for reviewing and saying all those nice words. I can't wait to hear from you again. Bye!

RK9: I have to be honest and say that your names reminds me, when I see it, of Y2K...I don't know why. I guess it's because it has two letters and one number in it as well. Sorry, I'm weird. Lol. Aww, and I'm so glad you mentioned the before and after thoughts Kaoru and Kenshin had, I love in depth reviews. They help me. You see I though their thoughts were very disorganized, and I have to say that I was thinking, "Oh my goodness, my reviewers are going to think this is horrible." Lol. I guess I had nothing to fear then? And yes, I'm so glad you liked that 'aging hag' thing. It was terrible terrible thing for Kenshin to think, we should spank him for it, ne? Lol. Nah, Kaoru would get mad at us, hehe. And yes Kenshin is quite a cautious one, but what do expect of a business man? Yep. You got everything right nods. Thank you so much for your in depth review, I loved it. Bye.

Tree: I love tress, especially shady trees. Lol. Thank you for you excitement over my story. I hope I didn't disappoint you with this chapter, bye! Thank you for reviewing.

Common: I think I'm in love with you. Lol. I think you maybe the first guy to ever read any of my stories on any of my accounts (Yes, guilty as charged, don't hurt me.) I'm so glad when I see a guy that is comfortable enough with his sexuality to say that he like chick books and stuff. You're one hundred percent awesome in my opinion. What's your number again...lol. Okay sorry for hitting on you, I must be freaking you out. Lol. I'm glad you like Kenshin they way I made him, and you should defiantly read the book. It's kind of silly, but really amusing to read. Thank you so much and I can't wait to hear from you again! Bye.

Zelianyu: First, I'm glad you checked out my other stories and the on Based on You...yeah I'm going to fix that chapter. I don't know how I switched tenses or why--that has never happened to me before. Well I don't wanna sleep deprive you, but...what the hell. I hope you like this chapter; I thought it was kind of bad. And me too, me too. People ask for my advice when I didn't even have a boyfriend, and my first boyfriend ever, which was like a year ago (when I was sixteen), had like no problems in it. I guess I was lucky. And all this stuff I'm saying about relationships in my chapters, don't take it to heart. It is what I personally think. Lol. Thank you for reviewing, bye!

seashell: Thank you so much for reviewing. And no, sadly my friend isn't writing anymore so it's just me. cries Don't worry we're still friends, but I think she has lost interest in writing. Thank you for liking my story, again. I'm looking forward seeing you again, bye!

Kage Ame: Who are you…you are a stranger to me. Lol. I'm so glad to here from you, and yay…finally I get to see a chapter of yours; it's about time! I'm so glad I was able to make your week a little better—what happened that was so horrible. Bah! I guess you will tell me in your e-mail, I can't wait. Thank you for reviewing and being such an awesome email buddy. You're the greatest piece of cake! Lol. Talk to you when you email me or something. And P.S.: Get on aim!

If I have forgotten to thank anyone please notify me so that I may do so in the next chapter. I don't want to leave anyone out.

Espiritus