Savoring the last bite of her omelet, Daphne rose from the table and carried her plate and cup into the kitchen.
She looked around, remembering the last time she'd been in here.
They were chopping vegetables...
Suddenly the familiar song ran through her head...
"Daphne?"
She jumped the unexpected voice and turned around.
"Oh, Dr. Crane! You startled me!"
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to tell you..."
"Yes?"
"You're smiling." He observed. "I hope that means you're feeling better?"
Daphne blushed. "Yes, I guess I am."
"And you enjoyed your meal?"
"Oh yes. Thank you. You're a wonderful cook, Dr. Crane."
"It was my pleasure." He said, giving her a heartwarming smile. "Now, I hope you don't mind, but I ran a bath
for you...um in the master bathroom and I put out some fresh towels. I thought you might be more comfortable
in there. The other bathrooms are a bit small."
"I can't thank you enough. I'll just finish gettin' this mess cleaned up and then-."
"No! Absolutely not!" Niles said firmly.
"I'm sorry?" Daphne asked, surprised by his outburst.
"I won't have you doing any housework. Now... you're my guest and I insist that you allow me to pamper you
because I lov- um, well..." Niles grabbed a nearby business card from the kitchen counter and began to fan
himself with it. "My... it certainly is hot. Why don't you go upstairs and make yourself comfortable while I clean
up the kitchen? You must be exhausted after all you've been through tonight."
Daphne took Niles' hand and squeezed it gently. "Thank you, Dr. Crane." Then before she could stop herself,
she kissed his cheek, smiling when he gasped.
His hand lingered in hers until she reached the kitchen door, and then slowly fell to his side.
When she reached the landing, she glanced down into the living room, surprised to find him watching her. Their
eyes met and his face reddened, before he quickly glanced away and retreated into the kitchen.