She read the words over and over again as the guilt washed over her like a tidal wave. Memories of that wonderful night they had spent at the Snow Ball came rushing back, along with a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

How could she not have known?

The way he'd held her so close on the dance floor, gazing into her eyes. His gentle touches, sweet smile and the way he treated her like a princess from the moment he'd arrived at Frasier's to pick her up. He'd called her an angel and a goddess and said he adored her.

And she in turn said that she adored him too.

But she didn't mean it.

Oh, she cared for Niles... deeply in fact. But to say that she loved him, romantically was absurd! He was her best friend and she was merely doing him a favor. He'd been so disappointed when his date canceled on him that she wanted to find a way to make him happy.

Now she realized exactly what she'd done. She'd led him on with her kindness, her encouragement and that kiss...

Of course he was heartbroken, for he thought her words were a confession of her love for him. Words, he'd obviously waited been waiting a very long time to hear.

How could she have kissed him and not realized that it would affect them both in a way that neither of them could have ever imagined?

She swallowed hard, blinking back tears. For there was no denying how that kiss made her feel. If she closed her eyes she could still feel his lips on hers; soft, gentle and oh so sweet.

Putting the stack of letters aside, she rose to her feet and brushed the tears from her cheeks. Then as quietly as possible she walked into the living room where Niles was carefully arranging his personal belongings into a box. As he measured a strip of clear packing tape and placed it across the flap, she could have sworn that she saw him brush away a tear.

Perhaps he was thinking of the Snow Ball... And of how she'd broken his heart.

"I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane."

Unaware that she had spoken out loud, she was stunned when he rose to his feet and looked at her in confusion.

"Daphne, I'm sorry I didn't come to help you sooner. I was just-."

Wordlessly she went to him, drawing him into a warm hug. Almost instantly he melted against her, sighing as he rubbed her back. It felt so good to be in his arms that she almost couldn't bear to let go.

Finally she drew back, although rather reluctantly, pausing to kiss his cheek. She was sure that the flush of his cheeks matched her own.

He reached for her hand and her heart beat faster but she couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze.

"Are you all right, Daphne?"

The words were soft and caring, not at all like the harsh and often times annoyed words that Donny used.

But she couldn't think about him right now.

The words she spoke next left her mouth in barely a whisper.

"I-I'm fine. I just wanted to see if you needed any help. I'm sorry I disturbed you."

Niles smiled and hugged her again. "I can't tell you how much it means to me that you're here."

"You're me best friend." She said against his neck. "I'll do anything for you, Dr. Crane."

When she drew back a second time, she returned to his bedroom, her heart warming when she thought of the letters that awaited her. And she was once more astounded that a person could pour so much love into such a small sack of letters.

But the fact that they were addressed to her astonished her most of all.