She looked around in bewilderment. Even though there were no people in sight, it certainly seemed like a perfect spot for a nude beach. It was quiet, secluded… private.
"Are you sure, Niles?"
"I couldn't be more convinced." He replied. "You see, I came down here, completely naked, feeling freer than I'd never felt in Seattle and for once I had not a care in the world."
"Well, I can understand that. You work so hard."
"It was so peaceful when I arrived that afternoon that I decided to do some yoga. You know, the way we did in Belize?"
She laughed and kissed his sweet lips. "I remember it well, sweetheart. But not as well as I remember the other wonderful things we did; making love at every opportunity, swimming in the warm waters, moonlit strolls on the beach, making love."
His forehead touched hers and he chuckled. "You mentioned that already, my love."
"Well, it's worth mentioning three or four times, don't you think?"
"Daphne-."
She quieted immediately. "I'm sorry. Go on, sweetheart. What happened?"
"The sun emerged from behind the clouds, illuminating my glorious nakedness just as a large group of woman from the Seattle Christian Women's Society was walking by."
Daphne gasped at the humorous story. But Niles looked so distraught that she didn't even consider laughing. She squeezed his hands once more. "Oh Niles, I'm sorry. But I'm sure that no one noticed you. It's quite secluded here."
"Oh, they noticed all right." He said. "I hardly had time to duck for cover before I was pelted by Bibles and driftwood! I've never been more ashamed; or ached in so many places."
Her heart went out to him and she realized at once that it explained why he hadn't been over to see her for a few days, nor had he called. But even so, she couldn't bring herself to be angry. Instead she wrapped her arms around him and held him close.
"Oh, sweetheart I'm so sorry. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I was ashamed. After my… pelting, I waited until it was dark enough that I wouldn't be easily spotted and when the coast was clear, I rushed back to my car and quickly retrieved my clothing. I must have looked like a fool; a naked man standing in the parking lot, attempting to dress himself without being seen. If it weren't for those damn lights…"
"Niles…"
"It was quiet difficult getting dressed while attempting to hide myself and trying to ignore the aches and pains shooting through my body. When I was finally dressed and safely in my car, I raced home and as soon as I arrived, I decided to change my image once and for all. My razor and shaving cream came out of hiding and within a few minutes I was Niles Crane again. Island Niles is dead and buried."
The tears fell in rivers down her cheeks and this time he lovingly brushed them away with his thumbs. "Daphne, please don't cry. I'm so sorry that I left you here alone. I just never thought you'd bring me here and when I saw this place again-."
"I know… and I'm so sorry that happened to you, my darling. Are you sure you're all right? Are you in much pain?"
He turned his body toward her, wincing slightly. "It comes and goes."
She grinned mischievously, the ache of wanting him so badly returning in full force. "Well, I know just the thing that might help."
"Y-you do?"
She moved closer and stroked his hair, her lips just inches from his ear. "Make love to me, Niles." She whispered.
