She drew back, staring at Niles in disbelief at what she had done. What must he think of her, kissing him so impulsively as though they were romantically involved? The thought brought the strangest feeling imaginable, a mixture of hot and cold that reverberated through her body. Was it love? Surely not, but truthfully she didn't know, at least not consciously.

He was staring at her as well, not in disbelief but in genuine concern. It was the same concern that he'd shown her since she'd arrived on his doorstep hours before. No, that wasn't at all truthful. He'd shown her this kind of concern since she'd first laid eyes on him, the day that she stood in his brother's living room, folding laundry. Niles might not have remembered that day but she remembered it crystal clear; as though it had happened just yesterday instead of so many years ago. Who knew that her boss' brother would someday become her best friend?

But now…

"Y-you kissed me." He was saying, his voice wobbly.

For once she was at a complete loss for words. But she had to say something, anything. She couldn't simply let the moment pass without saying something.

"I-I'm sorry." She stammered. "A-And I'm sorry about... th-the other kisses too. I-I mean..."

No, that wasn't right. She wasn't sorry, not in that sense anyway. But at the moment, I'm sorry was the only thing she could say. She looked at him again. He was still staring at her in the same disbelieving manner. And finally he spoke again.

"D-don't be sorry. It's all right."

She smiled. He always knew the right thing to say even if it was in the most awkward of situations. And although his words were simple, her heart fluttered, her eyes searching his handsome face. "I-I guess I've had a bit too much champagne."

"I-I'm sorry Daphne. I shouldn't have-."

Automatically her fingers went to his soft lips, forbidding him to say whatever he was going to say. It didn't matter. "Hush. You have nothing to be sorry for. You've been so sweet to me since I barged in unannounced and I'm so grateful. But truthfully I am a bit tired."

"Of course. Please, take my room. I insist."

"But-."

"No arguments, Daphne."

The slight sternness in his voice surprised her but then he smiled. "Please…"

Her smile returned and her fingers brushed against his cheek. "Thank you." The word was a whisper and she moved past him, making her way up the stairs.

Alone in his bedroom, refreshed from yet another luxurious bath, she wrapped herself in one of his Indian cotton towels. It was the softest thing she'd ever felt. And suddenly his sweet words came back to her;

"Use the Indian cotton; It will be gentler on your skin."

What she had said earlier was true. He was always thinking about her. And it was a wonderful feeling.

Moments later, wearing her favorite nightshirt she climbed into his large bed, amazed at how soft the mattress was. It was worlds away from her small, rather uncomfortable bed at home. She would never fault Frasier for not giving her a more comfortable place to sleep, for she loved her job and she loved living under his roof. But this….

Despite the heat that was still present, she snuggled under the silky cotton sheets and pulled the down comforter over her body. Although the night air was still dreadfully hot, it was much cooler upstairs. She imagined Niles, sleeping downstairs in the guest room in that horrible heat.

The thought that he had given up the chance for cooler temperatures for her brought the hint of tears to her eyes. They may have had their differences, but he really was the sweetest man.

The plush pillows cradled her head in a way she could have never imagined. She felt like a princess. A silly thought perhaps, brought on by reading too many romance novels, but at that moment no thought had ever seemed more truthful.

And it was this thought that made her turn onto her side, falling into a deep sleep.
She awoke only once, her eyes slowly opening as she looked around the darkened bedroom. But it only took a moment to remember where she was.

She was safe in the home of her friend; her best friend, the only person she truly trusted. The man who was there for her when no one else was.
With a contented smile on her face and warmth in her heart, she snuggled deeper under the covers and drifted once more into a deep sleep.

She awoke much earlier than she intended and looked out the window. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, which at this time of year, the middle of summer, meant that it was right around four in the morning. Now she had a clear view of his bedroom. It was absolutely lovely, if that was the right word for it. The room was just right for a man of his discerning tastes. A man who-

Like a slap in the face, reality came rushing back and her heart began to race. It had been hours since she'd fled from Frasier's, hurt and angered by Sherry's actions. But now she realized what a coward she'd been. She'd always been able to stand her ground against anyone, always. But Sherry had succeeded in getting the best of her.

Well no more.

She took a deep breath. She couldn't stay hidden away at Niles home forever. Although quite honestly, she wouldn't mind doing so. Never before had she felt so safe, and it was all because of her best friend.

But she had to go. It was time to return home and face the consequences.