When they walked into the hotel bar, Niles took another lingering glance at the woman beside him, the slight pressure on his palm a reminder that he wasn't dreaming. He looked down, unable to believe that he was holding hands with an angel. And when he stole another glance at her, his heart skipped a beat.

He was suddenly aware of the stares they received from the bar patrons. No doubt they were as mystified by Daphne as Niles was.

Suddenly she laughed; a sound that filled his heart with joy.

"Would you look at that?"

He grinned at her wistful expression.

"What?"

"It seems that we're the center of attention! Of course, it's only natural that they'd be looking at you. After all, you are the most handsome man in the room."

Niles turned to her in astonishment. Could she really have said what he thought she said? Had Daphne Moon... his angel, his goddess... the most perfect and beautiful woman ever to grace the earth... really just called him handsome?

It was like a dream; a wonderful, incredible dream from which he never wanted to wake up. And then there was the way she'd kissed him earlier. It wasn't a passionate kiss... the way he'd always dreamt of kissing her... but just the touch of her lips on him sent his mind racing in a hundred different directions.

It was all so hard to believe, in more ways than one. Maris certainly had never called him handsome and he had come to realize that she probably never thought of him in that way.

The thought pained him, making him almost forget where he was. That is, until he felt himself being led into the bar.

"Why don't we sit here and I'll order us some drinks." Daphne said.

"Oh... Allow me." Niles replied.

Daphne smiled and squeezed his hand. "You're such a gentleman. So unlike your brother."

Dizzily, Niles walked to the bar and ordered two glasses of wine and a sherry. The bartender looked at him strangely, probably wondering why a man who only had one date was ordering three drinks, but Niles chose to ignore him.

As soon as he paid for the drinks, he picked up the glass of sherry and downed it in one gulp, blinking as the alcohol went straight to his head.

"You'd better take it easy there!" The bartender said.

Niles glared at the man in disgust. "I beg your pardon? I'm well aware of how much alcohol I can safely consume. Now if you'll excuse me, there's an angel waiting for me right over-."

He stopped suddenly, his heart racing when he noticed that the seat was empty. And once more his heart sank with sadness.

Perhaps it was just a dream from which he'd received a rude awakening.

He was about to leave when he heard his name.

"Dr Crane!"

His heart beat faster at the sweet voice and he looked up to find her rushing toward him.

"I'm so sorry I disappeared like that. I hope I didn't worry you. But you see, I simply had to powder me nose and... Well it doesn't really matter. The point is that I'm here and I'm not going to leave your side."

"Here you are, Daphne." He said, handing her a glass.

"Champagne... How lovely." She said, taking a sip.

As they returned to their table, Niles swayed a bit, and she caught him before he stumbled.

"Are you all right?"

"Oh... I'm fine thank you. Just a bit light-headed. Must have been from the alcohol."

He felt as though he was floating when she led him to the table and eased him into the seat, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead.

"Well you just sit right there and relax Dr. Crane. As much as I want to dance with you, I don't want to see you get hurt. Daphne won't let anything happen to you."

He sighed deeply, falling in love with his angel all over again. He had a feeling that this night was going to be one he wouldn't soon forget. There must be a way to thank her for her kindness and compassion.

And perhaps give her his heart in the process.