"Oh dear God… I've made you cry!"
She shook her head adamantly. He'd done nothing of the sort. But she was unable to stop the tears that were streaming down her cheeks. "No..."
The word came out in a whisper.
But Niles was not convinced and his look of concern became even more genuine. "Daphne… Oh heavens… I'm so sorry! I know that what I did was terrible and I can only imagine what you must think of me. That shoddy excuse for a pharmacist will most likely consult the board of psychiatrists! I'm sure that the news of what I've done will soon be all over Seattle, therefore jeopardizing my career. But Daphne, I never-."
She continued to cry, her hands over her face. And the craziest thing is that she had absolutely no idea why she was crying. No idea at all. Bloody hell, what was wrong with her, crying like a complete lunatic?
To her surprise, he moved closer and pulled her into his arms, providing the same comfort as before.
"Shh… It's okay. I'm so sorry Daphne. I know I shouldn't have violated my ethics as I did, but I just… I hated to think of you without your medication." He sighed deeply, the sound of a man who was filled with deep regret. And he was not at all to blame. But she couldn't bring herself to speak, let alone reassure him that she was grateful for what he had done. His gentle hand was moving up and down her back, his fingers massaging her neck. "I-I suppose I should have just gone back to Frasier's or else taken you back there. But… I-I know how upset you were. And I can only imagine what would have happened had Sherry been there…"
Still sobbing, she pressed her face into his shoulder, having no idea why she was unable to stop crying. But in all honesty, unleashing the frustration, anger and guilt felt incredibly good. And being comforted by a sweet and handsome man felt even better.
He held her for a long time, rubbing her back and even running his fingers through her hair. There was no denying how wonderful it felt. It had been a long time since a man (any man) had shown such concern for her. And it resembled the most wonderful dream imaginable.
"I'm so sorry…" He whispered the words again and again as though his remorse had grown. But she couldn't let him continue to feel guilty or take the blame for her ridiculous emotional breakdown. Reluctantly she pulled out of his arms and brushed the tears from her cheeks.
"I'm sorry Dr. Crane. I don't know what's wrong with me tonight! I-."
"No Daphne. I'm the one who-."
Her trembling fingers covered his lips. "No… Don't say it. Don't even think it, Dr. Crane. I don't know why I'm crying like this. I just-."
He cursed under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear. Now she'd made him angry. Surprised, she looked up, for she'd never heard him say such words before. But it wasn't her place to object. She'd lost count of the number of times that she'd repeated the filth that came out of her brother's mouths. And it was usually followed by remorse.
"Look, Daphne…"
She winced and touched her forehead with her fingertips. "I'm sorry Dr. Crane. I-I think I'm just tired from all of that champagne. And me head aches fiercely. Do you have any aspirin?"
"Um, I do… but perhaps you should wait a little while before you take it."
She turned to him in surprise. "Why?"
"Well, your medication…."
"Oh right, of course. What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing's wrong with you. You're perf-Um… I mean… there's nothing wrong with you. Why don't you take your medication and get some rest? I'll bring the fan upstairs for you. It will be easier to sleep when it's cooler."
Her eyes went to the balcony and then the landing. "Upstairs?"
"Yes. I know that they say that hot air rises, but perhaps if I open the window there will be a cross breeze, even with this heat. Although…"
Suddenly she realized what he was doing. This man, this wonderful man… her best friend, was offering her his room. The unspoken gesture touched her deeply. She had no
idea how she managed to keep her emotions at bay.
"No, Dr. Crane. I can't ask you do to that. You've done more than enough. I'll be fine down here on your fainting couch."
"No, absolutely not."
"But-."
"It's my fault, Daphne. And I am sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?"
She smiled and took his hand, squeezing gently, intending to tell him once again that he'd done more than enough. But what she said instead was…
"Well, I am a bit tired…"
"You can have my room. I'll take the fan up there so that you'll be more comfortable."
"Dr. Crane, I can't ask you to do that! Where will you sleep?"
"I'll take the guest room."
She looked toward the room that was situated near the front of the apartment. "But it's so dreadfully hot!"
He smiled knowingly. "I'll manage."
"This is wrong, Dr. Crane! I'll take the guest room. I don't mind at all! I insist!"
"No."
Her patience was wearing thin and she was dangerously close to losing her temper. Why was he so bloody stubborn? It was one of the things about him that drove her absolutely mad! In that regard, he was exactly like his older brother.
"Dr. Crane, this is your home and I'm just a bother!"
"Nonsense, Daphne. You're never a bother. And like I told you before, you're welcome in my home anytime; especially when something or someone upsets you."
Overcome with love for him, even if it was only in friendship, she pulled him into her arms for a hug and quickly kissed his lips once again. He seemed even more surprised by this kiss than he'd been by the first. That made two of them. But as she drew back she felt her lips tingling from the touch.
"Dr. Crane... I… I just wanted to say…. Thank-"
He ran his tongue across his lips and the feeling it gave her as she stared at his mouth was unlike anything she'd ever felt before, accompanied by a heartbeat that was so rapid it was almost concerning. Oh God how could this be happening?
Clearly she'd consumed more champagne than she'd thought.
His fingers moved through his hair and he avoided her gaze. "Um… look… it's late. Why don't you get yourself settled in my room and I'll bring the fan up for you in a minute? I'll just take care of a few things down here before we go to bed."
Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open. Was he really suggesting…
"W-what?"
"What?" he repeated. And then he displayed a horrified expression. "Oh… Oh! Oh God, I didn't mean…."
She could feel her cheeks burning. What was wrong with her, thinking such things? "I-I know what you meant." She managed to say. "I-it's all right. Thank you Dr. Crane… for everything and for letting me stay in your room."
Before he could reply, she kissed his lips again. But this time it wasn't impulsive. It was intended.