A/N: This story is dedicated to Kalimyre, whose wonderful story "Sub Rosa" inspired this! =)

Daphne stood leaning against the doorway of the kitchen, smiling at the scene unfolding in the living room. For it was there that the Crane boys were gathered, looking as though they were having the time of their lives.

She loved seeing them so happy. Seeing him so happy.

Him being Niles of course.

She knew it was wrong, staring at him like this. But lately she'd begun to feel something for him that she just couldn't explain, or had a right to feel.

As he sat at the piano making beautiful music and puffing away on a Cuban cigar that was given to him by his father, her heart warmed. In his light colored dress shirt and suspenders, he looked so handsome that he took her breath away.

Of course that was nothing new. Because every time she looked at him he left her breathless. She sighed deeply, for she had no right to think such things.

He was married after all.

"They sure don't write songs like that anymore." Martin was saying, taking a puff of his cigar. "Hey Daph, you sure you don't want one of these?" He called to her.

Hesitantly she walked into the living room, praying the Crane men hadn't noticed her staring.

It was so unlike her, staring at a grown man as though she were a lovesick school girl. She must be completely daft!

She certainly couldn't say such a thing to her heart. Oh, she'd tried, many times. But her heart simply refused to listen.

"Daph?"

She looked up sharply, wondering for a second why Martin was talking to her.

"What?"

"You all right?"

"I'm fine, why?"

"No reason. I was just asking if you wanted one of these, but you were a million miles away." He said, holding out a cigar for her.

Her fingers trembled as she reached out and took the cigar from Martin.

"Want me to teach you how to smoke it?" He offered.

"No, me brothers taught me plenty, although I haven't tried one in years." She positioned the cigar carefully between her fingers, allowing Frasier to light it and then took a few puffs.

She coughed at first, a reaction that sent Niles springing from the piano bench and to her side in an instant. Seconds later his hand was on her back, patting it lightly as he watched her with concern.

"Are you all right?"

Her cheeks flushed and warmed at the touch of his hand, which was now moving up and down her back. And once more her thoughts went to places that they shouldn't.

"I'm fine, thank you Dr. Crane. I guess I'm a little rusty."

Niles turned to his father.

"Dad, perhaps it would be best if we put these away. I don't want to make Daphne uncomfortable."

His sweet concern made her heart soar. No man had ever been so thoughtful. Even if it was unintentional.

It was no surprise at all that he was married. A handsome, sweet and kind man like Niles wouldn't stay single for long.

He was the perfect man. Perfect in her eyes anyway.

Once more she willed the ridiculous thoughts away, even though they were completely truthful.

"Really, I'm fine Dr. Crane." She insisted. When he smiled, she took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "But you're so sweet to be concerned."

"I don't mind giving you a lesson, Daphne." Martin was saying. "I mean, smoking a cigar isn't like smoking a cigarette. It takes a certain...what's the word I'm looking for? Talent? No, that's not right. Damn... I just had it in my head! Let me think..."

"Dad-."

While Frasier and Martin argued about what Martin hadn't said, Daphne smiled. This was the Crane family she was used to.

Feeling bold, she picked up the cigar and brought it to her lips, taking a slow deep breath. The sweet smokiness filled her lungs and just as her brothers had taught her, she puckered her lips and blew a series of perfectly formed smoke rings.

"WHOA! Would you look at that?" Martin yelled with the same enthusiasm he reserved only for touchdowns by the Seahawks and home runs by the Mariners. "Wow, I never knew you were so talented, Daphne!"

Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink.

"Oh... Well, thank you Mr. Crane."

When Niles smiled at her, Daphne's heart swelled with love for him once more, and she was suddenly aware of him watching her with interest. He moved closer, causing her heart to beat even faster.

"How do you do that?"

"What, blow smoke rings?" She asked blowing yet another perfectly formed ring that went sailing upwards until it disappeared like magic.

"Um... yeah." Niles replied. She couldn't tell if he was nervous or annoyed so she quickly made amends. "It's easy. Here, let me show you."

"Oh... okay."

"It's all in the tongue."

Very gently, she took his chin in her hand, sighing at how soft his skin felt. It was even softer than she imagined, like a mixture of silk and satin.

Keeping her voice steady, she smiled at him. "Now, just pucker up like a little goldfish."

He did as she asked, looking so adorable that she couldn't help but laugh.

"You're doing wonderfully, Dr. Crane. Now, just keep your lips puckered and-."

She fell silent, her eyes transfixed on his pink lips, the lips that complimented her more times than she could count.

The mouth that had soothed her troubles many times over by uttering words of comfort, a kindness for which she could never begin to repay him.

She moved closer and closer, his chin still in her hand. Slowly she loosened her grip but found it impossible to let go completely.

Instead she ran her thumb lightly across his chin, feeling the faintest hint of stubble. Her fingers moved toward his neck, allowing her to trace the line of his jawbone with her fingertips.

Slowly her thumb trailed across his silken skin in slow, even movements and her heart was beating so rapidly, she was sure that he could hear it.

She was treading on dangerous ground but she couldn't seem to stop herself. Their eyes met and for the hundredth time, his crystal blue eyes pulled her in.

But when her gaze fell to his lips, she could no longer ignore what she felt in her heart.

Her fingers rested on his cheek and she moved closer still, until there was nothing left to do but bring her lips to his.