Like a scene out of a movie, she could almost hear the swell of music as he opened the car door and stepped onto the street. And it only took him seconds to spot her.
"Daphne!"
She gaped and ran toward him, filling his outstretched arms. "Oh my God!" She cried, trying to still her trembling body.
"It's all right. I've got you!" he said, holding her close as she sobbed into his chest. Around them, the people were still there, but she felt safe in his embrace. After a long moment, he let go but he took her hand and helped her into his car, closing the door. She was still shaken, but when she heard him putting her packages into the backseat of his car, she calmed a bit.
Neither of them said a word as he drove out of downtown and veered onto the freeway, but he kept his fingers entwined with hers.
The next thing she knew, she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. When her eyes fluttered open, she saw him smiling at her. "We're home, Daphne."
She looked around in confusion until she finally recognized the parking garage. The relief she felt at that moment was immeasurable, for she truly was at home. He took her hand to help her out of the car and when he closed the door behind her, she looked into his eyes.
"Thank you, Dr. Crane. Thank you so much. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come."
He blushed, making him even more handsome. "You're welcome Daphne. It was my-."
Impulsively she kissed his lips and when she drew back, they stared at one another in disbelief, neither of them knowing what to say.
"I-I'll just get your bags and we can go inside." Niles said in a quiet, trembling voice.
She nodded, still shaken by her experience. Seconds later, her shopping bags in his hands, she followed him to the door and into the lobby, where Morrie the doorman looked up at them in concern. "Dr. Crane, Mrs. Moon! Is everything all right?"
Niles smiled. "She's had a scare. But she'll be all right. I'll make sure of it."
Daphne wanted so badly to kiss him again, but she didn't dare. Not only was it completely inappropriate, but it simply wasn't right. And she certainly didn't want to embarrass him; no matter how much the feeling inside consumed her. It didn't make any sense. The kiss in the garage was one of gratitude and relief, but nothing more, or so she kept telling herself.
Grasping his hand in hers, they walked to the elevator. Once inside, neither of them said a word, but when the doors opened, she immediately stepped into the hallway, eager to go inside. However, mere seconds after her trembling fingers inserted her key into the lock; she turned to find Niles looking at her. And the concern and worry on his face made her dissolve into tears once more.