I shivered at the sensation of Niles' lips on mine. I never expected them to be so soft... or for me breath to catch in me throat the way it had.
Before I could stop meself, my hands slid around his neck and the kiss deepened.
I kept tellin' myself to pull way, but I didn't want to.
"Wow! That was some kiss!" Clive said. "You two must really be in love."
Instantly I drew back, unable to look at Niles.
Oh God...
My face reddened when Niles put his arm around me and smiled at Clive.
"Oh yes, we're deeply in love, Clive. I love Daphne more than she'll ever know."
"A-and I love you, Darling." I said, the words trembling as they fell out of me mouth. Just saying them made me feel a bit strange.
After all, Niles was my friend and I hardly loved him in the romantic sense.
It was ridiculous to even think about!
So why did I feel so strange?
I turned to Clive who was shaking his head in disbelief. "I don't understand.
Your mum never said a word about you bein' married, Daphne. In fact, I don't think she has any idea."
"Well, I know. We just... don't want to... spread it around." I said.
Clive's eyes narrowed. "Not even your own mum? And after six months? When are you plannin' on tellin' her? After you have your first baby?"
At this, Niles began to cough violently, and I rushed into the kitchen to get him a glass of water.
"What's wrong, Darling?" I asked, handing him the glass. I rubbed his back in an effort to calm him, but it wasn't working too well.
It was then I realized that perhaps I'd carried this charade a bit far... but there was no backing out now.