Chocolate Smiles by Stella Mira
An Insufferable Ordeal
Sunset Miko's Once a Week Challenge
Prompt: Candle
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“I am very thankful for your assistance today, Kagome-san.” Sesshōmaru’s voice came soft and quiet, careful not to disturb the sleeping children, as they waited for their clothes to dry. Emiko and Akira had started to feel drowsy after all their vigorous playing earlier, and Kagome had been kind enough to offer her bedroom, so they could take a quick nap—which left her alone in the living room in the company of a very desirable, practically naked man.
If I survive this insufferable ordeal with my dignity intact and my clothes on…then I promise to visit and make offerings more often at the local temple. She was trying hard to focus on Sesshōmaru’s face, but that turned out to be a huge mistake. Kagome found herself drowning in dark, pulling eyes. Her heartbeat quickened. Her breath caught in her throat.
“Anyone else in my place would have done the same, Sesshoumaru-san.” Kagome waved a hand with nonchalance, though she was feeling anything but.
“Emiko has taken quite a liking to you. If her attentions are smothering you, please feel free to say so. I fear she might miss her mother a lot lately and she is taking advantage of your kindness to fill that gap.” Sesshōmaru still smiled, but Kagome noticed the heaviness in his voice, the tightening around his eyes.
“Emiko-chan mentioned her mother earlier. I know it’s none of my business, and I’m sorry if this is making you uncomfortable, but why is she not visiting her children more? I assume you’re divorced, correct?” Though afraid that she might insult him with her meddling, Kagome was unable to curb her tongue.
“You are correct in your assumptions. The twins’ mother, Kanna, and I have been divorced for three years now. As for the reason of her scarce visits…she was always a woman who prioritized her career over family. I might have been selfish and pushed her too much in the belief that children might bring us closer together. Obviously, it was a mistake on my part.” He gave a bitter laugh, then his expression softened.
“Do not get me wrong. I adore my children, and I thank the Kami each day for their birth, but Kanna…well, she might have regretted her decision to grant me this request. It is the reason she is not visiting them more often. After the divorce, she transferred to America and visits Japan for business trips only. Whenever she has time, she comes to see Emiko and Akira, but I would not describe their interactions as motherly and loving. That is why I am most grateful to you for indulging my children time and time again.”
His gaze was intense, full of sincerity and gratitude, made her flustered and stuttering with her words.
“I—I am terribly sorry. I didn’t mean to bring back sad memories. Don’t worry about imposing on me either. I have always loved children, and Emiko-chan and Akira-kun are like little angels. If they like my chocolate treats, then I’d be happy baking for them every single day if I could.”
Sesshōmaru laughed, his laughter deep, enticing. “I sincerely hope you will not. They are not very fond of their visits to the dentist and I would not like to increase them.”
Her eyes lingered on the rippling of hard muscle under that laugh. A feeling of vertigo overcame her, lightheadedness. Air was becoming nothing but a memory of necessity. The cinnamon scent of her candles was cloying, hallucinogenic, filling her mind with sultry images—fingertips mapping lines of thew and sinew, muscle and bone, tongue dragging on hot skin and blood-fire.
The distinctive beep of the dryer abruptly rang. Kagome shuddered, roused from her inappropriate thoughts, and hurried to bring their clothes.
“Here are your clothes, but you’re free to stay if you don’t wish to wake the children just yet.”
She was too timid, suspiciously abashed, biting her lip…flushed. Her suggestion elicited an arched brow. If Sesshōmaru had an inkling of her previous thoughts, he hid it very well, but she knew he must have. Nothing escaped that man.
“I would like to take you up on your offer…but I’m afraid I have a business meeting in the afternoon and cannot stay longer.” Kagome deflated—but he was not done. “I would be delighted if we could meet again in the park at noon tomorrow, though. My children are not the only ones who have taken a liking to you, Kagome-san.”
There was amusement in his voice, and a rough inflection, heavy with the stirrings of something sizzling. A wicked tease. Kagome’s eyes connected with his, need written on open lips, hope bright in wetted blue.
A date? It was an invitation to a date, right? Please tell me I didn’t misinterpret his words…
“Unless you are unavailable?” His grin was made of sin, made her want to lick it off his lips. Oh, yes. He was teasing her—and she loved every minute of it.
“I am always at the park around that time, Sesshōmaru-san. And I’m always available for cute children, so I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Kagome smirked, mischief molded into red-curled-lips.
The elation she felt at the prospect of friendship and maybe something more stayed with her long after he was gone.