When his sobs subsided briefly, she pulled out of his arms taking a moment to really look at him. Even in this state of severe distress, he was so handsome. How could Mrs. Crane treat such a wonderful man so horribly? Didn't she realize what she was giving up? How sweet and gentle he could be? How sincere? How-.
She moved closer to him, softly brushing the tears away with her fingertips. But something made her move closer, placing a kiss on his damp cheek. "Just rest… I'm here for you, Dr. Crane. I'm not going anywhere." She kissed his cheeks in between each phrase and stared longingly at him. "It's all right…" she whispered. And before she realized what was happening, she had kissed his lips. "I'm so sorry…" She said, unable to resist kissing him again.
His lips were so soft, and his arms went around her, deepening the kisses. Each soft kiss grew in intensity and she splayed her fingers through his hair, unable to believe that anything could feel like this. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world, but it was wrong… so wrong.
She pulled away abruptly, unable to believe what she had done. "Dr. Crane, I..."
But he only stared at her in a daze. And she could only imagine what he must be thinking. What was wrong with her, coming over to comfort him when he was clearly distraught over his soon-to-be ex-wife? He was so vulnerable right now and how could she just…
She could see his eyelids growing heavy and he looked absolutely exhausted. Taking a firm hold around his body, she coaxed him off the sofa and guided him to his bedroom. She straightened the sheets and comforter, allowing him to crawl between them. He turned over and she could hear his soft breathing as soon as his head touched the pillow. But she was content to stay for a while and stroke his hair.
"I meant what I said, Dr. Crane. I do love you, but it's more than friendship. I'm not sure how it happened, but I can't fool meself anymore. I know it's wrong… you're in the middle of a terrible divorce and the last thing you need is someone like me telling you that she's in love with you. We're worlds apart and… well, what would your brother think? But I can't help it. You've always been so sweet to me, even when we have our disagreements. No one has ever been as kind to me as you are, always complimenting me hair or me outfits, neither of which are worth complimenting. I'm sure that you wouldn't be interested in someone like me. I'm not exactly into operas or wine or… Well… it doesn't matter right now. What matters is that you get some rest. I'm sorry you're going through such a painful time and I'll always be here for you, always."
She sighed deeply and rose from his bedside to give him a lingering kiss on his warm cheek. Brushing away her tears she covered him with the comforter and turned out his light.
"Sweet dreams… Niles… I love you." She whispered as she walked out of his room.