The elevator doors opened and she stepped into the lobby, ready to dart to her car. But she whirled around when she heard her name.

"Daphne!"

She was momentarily shocked that he'd arrived in the lobby so quickly-he must have taken the stairs-but it really didn't matter. She just wanted to leave. Her face was

streaked with tears but she didn't care what she looked like. She didn't want to see Niles-or anyone-ever again.

He reached for her but she pulled away more forcefully than she intended. Her actions caught him by surprise and she should have felt remorse for her actions, but she did

not. After the way he'd hurt her, he deserved it. She wished he would just leave her alone and go back to his apartment where he could enjoy his evening in peace.

When he reached for her a second time she pulled away once more. But instead of leaving, he stared at her, his chest moving up and down as he tried to catch his breath.

"Daphne, please-."

"Dr. Crane, leave me alone!"

"No. Not until you allow me to apologize."

"There's nothing left to say! Don't you understand that?"

"You're crying and that means there's plenty to say. Look, you don't have to respond, but please, hear me out. The fault is mine. I swear I never should have said those

horrible things-."

"You're right. You shouldn't have said them!"

"I just meant-."

"I know what you meant, Dr. Crane! And-well, it doesn't matter anyway!" Her tears were choking her voice, making it difficult to speak. But to her dismay he absolutely

refused to back down. He remained where he was, watching her with that helpless, worried expression. When he finally spoke again, his voice was strangely soothing.

He swallowed hard. "Of course it matters, Daphne. It matters a great deal."

His kindness, or at least his attempt at it, was almost too much to bear. She began to fidget, wishing that she would have gotten to the lobby sooner, for it would mean that

she would be safely in her car on her way to a hotel, instead of standing face to face with the last person in the world she ever dreamed would hurt her.

"I-I shouldn't have come here. I should have just faced me problems head on. Isn't that what you and your brother are always saying? That people need to take responsibility

and work things out for themselves?"

He nodded. "Well, yes of course. On occasion, but Daphne-."

Angrily she brushed away tears. She wanted to leave so badly that it physically hurt. Why couldn't he just go away and forget that she'd ever arrived unannounced on his

doorstep?

"What?" She snapped, almost smiling in satisfaction when he flinched.

"I'm sorry that I hurt you."

Even the quiet tone of his words didn't faze her. It was too late for apologizes. She couldn't look at him.

"I know that I said that people should work out their problems on their own. And that's true for some people. My patients, for example. But you're nothing like my patients.

You're-." He swallowed hard and ran his hand through his blonde hair.

Oh why, at that moment, with his white shirt unbuttoned almost to his chest-exposing the tiniest bit of skin-did he suddenly look so… sexy? She took in a deep shuttering

breath and swallowed hard. She shouldn't be thinking about him this way. It wasn't right. It wasn't-

Her gaze moved to his eyes and then slowly down the length of his lean body. His chest, his hips… and then back to his face. And she gazed at him much too long before she

was able to look away. No, it wasn't right to think of him in a way that she'd often thought about other men with whom she'd been attracted to-with longing and desire. It

wasn't right at all.

Anxiety filled her and she stepped back, aware that his hand was now in hers.

"Daphne-."

"I-I need to leave. I shouldn't have come here. I-I had no right."

"You had every right, Daphne. It's your home, too."

She froze at his words, unable to believe what she was hearing. And his stunned expression told her that his words were unintentional, if, in fact they were even true. She'd

said almost the same exact words to him on several occasions: he should consider himself at home when he was at the Elliott Bay Towers. After all, he was family. His brother

and father lived there. But this-his home at the Montana-well, that was entirely different.

Her heart had not slowed since she made her attempt to escape his presence and now she was slightly breathless. She was angry at him; furious. But she wanted to stay with

him, God how she wanted to stay. However, her better judgement refused.

"No, I'll just-forget the hotel. I'll go back to your brother's house. You're absolutely right. I should handle Sherry on my own. I shouldn't have run away."

He sighed, a deep, troubled sigh. "Daphne, I'm sorry for hurting you and for the things I said."

His apology was genuine and it tested her resolve, but in truth it wasn't enough. The wounds were still there. The man was completely infuriating.

"I know you're sorry!" She snapped. "You've already apologized, several; times in fact!"

"Yes, I did. But when I opened my door and saw you standing there asking if you could stay with me… Well-."

Suddenly her anger and hurt began to melt away and her mouth curved into a smile. She bit her lower lip. "I can imagine that it was quite a shock."

He nodded, returning her smile. "Well yes. That would explain why I fainted. Thank you for taking care of me, by the way."

She squeezed his hand. "Of course. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes. Much better. Thank you."

"I'm glad."

For several seconds, neither of them spoke. They simply stared at one another. And then they both spoke at once.

"Daphne-."

"Dr. Crane-."

The coincidence made them laugh-and laughter was a wonderful thing.

"Go ahead."

"Dr. Crane, I really am sorry for ruining your night. I really didn't mean to just show up at your front door, but-." Her voice trembled and when she blinked, tears fell onto her

cheeks. I didn't have anywhere else to go! But I promise I won't bother you anymore tonight. I have some money. I'm sure I'll be able to find a hotel room or some-."

"No."

His sharp word startled her. "What does that mean?"

"You drove all the way over here because you were seeking out someone you thought you could trust. I'm honored that you're here and I'm deeply sorry for breaking that

trust. I've been-a terrible host and I beg of you to let me make amends. I can't bear to think of you spending the night alone when you're so upset-be it in some shoddy

motel or even a five star hotel. You shouldn't be alone. So I'm begging you, Daphne. Please… spend the night with me."