A/N: Wow readers! I am loving this story more and more myself as I see it unfold. I just want to thank bogiedevil, sim38, mewkazurinu2004, Lucky Starz, ladybrin and rx9872 for the lovely reviews. I think you all will enjoy this chapter, although I can't say all the chapters will be as positive as this one.

Chapter 4- The Beginning Unfolds

Niles trip to the bank the day before had been quick and easy. He had gone there, talked to the accountant and signed a few documents. If all went well, he would have the $1 million dollar inheritance in his account by the end of the afternoon.

As soon as he knew that the money had been transferred and he had full access to it, he would talk to Mr. Sheffield about producing his play. Normally he would never dream of asking him, however being that he was willing to invest a substantial amount of money in his own play, he figured that Maxwell might consider it.

He continued his work in the afternoon in what appeared to be a normal fashion, however he couldn't stop thinking about what he was going to say and how he would ask Maxwell to produce his play. He thought about talking to Ms. Babcock about the play as well, seeing as she was Mr. Sheffield's business partner, however he wasn't sure what she would say and he couldn't deny that he was still taken aback by her sudden outburst yesterday.

He was in the kitchen, preparing lunch when no other then, C.C. walked into the room herself.

"Hello, Hello, Niles, poor me a cup of tea, would you?"

"Oh wait, I forgot you are a millionaire now!" she laughed maniacally!

Acting like she didn't care was starting to become surprisingly easy. She would never admit however that this had something to do with the fact that the thought of Niles leaving killed her inside and the only way she knew how to express her feelings to him was through sarcasm and brash remarks.

"For your information, I am not a millionaire this very second, however the transfer is being made as we speak. Furthermore, if you must know I have decided to stay on as the Sheffield's butler for the time being. "

"Oh really, Rochester, what brought on the sudden change of heart?"

Figuring she would find out eventually, he figured he mine as well tell her his plans.

"Well I have written a play and I was going to ask Mr. Sheffield if he was willing to produce it. I plan on investing some money in this play, because in my mind I know it will be a hit."

C.C. suddenly felt over the moon. Why do I feel this way? What is wrong with me? I have always prided myself on being one that could control my emotions. Truth is she was absolutely thrilled to know that Niles was staying on as Maxwell's butler not because that is what she wanted for him, but because a day without seeing him was the worst thing imaginable right now.

Niles could see that something was going on in her mind, but for the life of him he could not figure out what. Something is different about her, what is she thinking? I pride myself on knowing everything in this house but for the life of me I just can't tell what is going on in her mind.

"Well truth be told, Hazel, the scripts I read the other night were complete garbage. Of course Maxwell is so damn adamant he told me to read them again. I know trash when I read it and those scripts I read the other day were all trash. "

Although Niles was thrilled that the other scripts weren't working out, he suddenly felt slightly self conscious about letting her read his play because her distaste for the others was so strong. Not to mention, even though there were no direct mention of names or professions, this play was basically about his love for her. He wanted her to know yes, but he was scared for her to read it nonetheless. He couldn't bear the thought of her deriding his play because in a sense she would be crushing his heart even if she didn't know it.

C.C. damn well wanted to produce his play. She hoped that Maxwell would agree to it and knew that with Niles talent of word choice and knowledge of everyday life that his script would be remarkable.

Not to mention everything would be right. Niles would be successful and he would still be at the house and she wouldn't have to worry about losing her daily rhythm. With these thoughts in her mind, she looked up at Niles and noticed a look of slight discomfort on his face.

Figuring it was because of his script, it took all the willingness and strength she could muster to be nice to him out loud but she was able to do it.

"Niles, I am sure the script is wonderful. Truth be told, I am sure you are an excellent writer. I can't wait to read your play", she said kindly, and with a warm smile she put a hand on his shoulder.

Niles just sat there in awe as he reveled in this moment. He took a mental picture of her beautiful smile and he lingered there, as she made no sudden movement to remove her hand.

He wanted to take her as his right then and there, tell her how he felt, kiss her tenderly. But he could never bring himself to reveal those feelings to her at the risk of having his heart stopped on. So he did the closest thing he could and drew her into a hug.

He figured he could show her the thanks and take her in a little longer without her running away. Of course they lingered there in each other's arms a little longer than necessary while both drinking in the smell of one another.

When finally the spell wore off and they were back in reality, they both broke apart suddenly. They looked at each other with slight shock evident on their faces before Niles just halfway smiled and said:

"I'll go get my script."

With that he walked briskly up the stairs to retrieve the script while C.C. watched his every movement on the way up.

She hated to admit it but he looked great. She took in his backside as he ascended up the stairs, admiring his broad strong shoulders and his tone butt.

From what she could see, that working out had been paying off big time! Maybe I should mention that to him again. She would never admit it, but being in his strong arms felt absolutely wonderful and…right somehow.

He descended down the stairs momentarily with the script in his arms, holding it close to him.

"Don't be too harsh, Ms Babcock. I really hope you enjoy it."

"Niles, I am sure it is wonderful, I'll get back to work and read it now."

And so with that he held out the script with 2 hands for her to take. She slowly reached for it and grabbed under the script, her fingers slightly brushing against the back of his hands as she pulled the script toward her. Of course the sudden contact sent waves of electricity through both of them causing both their hearts to pump rapidly and their stomachs to flutter simultaneously.

C.C. walked out of the kitchen and held the script against her heart as she walked into Mr. Sheffield's office to read it.

Niles continued on with his daily duties, although severely distracted by all the sudden events that just took place in the last 30 minutes. He just hoped that she liked the play at least an inkling as much as he adored her.