Stunned by Daphne's sudden embrace, Bulldog grinned. "Whoa! No need to get all broken up over me, doll!"

His first thought was to push her away. After all, Daphne was definitely not his type. However, he'd been in a slump lately, so... No. No way! He couldn't! The doc would

kill him! He'd just have to let her down easy. No matter how hot she was. Besides, everybody knew that she had the hots for the doc's brother, Niles.

But when she pulled out of Bulldog's arms and looked into his eyes, his heart softened. Wow, she really looked upset-and not just the kind of upset look that babes

got when he dumped them. This was real pain; almost as though she was sad about something.

Go figure.

"I'm sorry to be sobbin like this." Daphne said. "You're the last person who wants to hear about me pathetic love life."

"No problem. I don't have anywhere to go." Bulldog said, wondering why he cared all of a sudden. Shouldn't this dame be cryin' to the doc or something?

"Is something wrong?" he asked. Immediately he wanted to smack himself.

What are you, stupid, Briscoe? Of course there's something wrong! People don't just burst into tears for no reason in order to get attention!

Okay, he would, but this was Daphne; the doc's home care worker. No way would a dame like that stoop to his level.

"So what happened? Does it have to do with the doc's brother?"

Daphne nodded. "It's just terrible! I can't even-Oh I can't even say the words!"

Her voice broke and she leaned her head on his chest, prompting him to put his arm around her. "Oh, hey. It'll be all right. I promise."

It was the first time he'd ever said those words to a woman and actually meant them.

But she only shook her head. "No. I don't think so."

Bulldog was at a complete loss for words. What in the hell was he supposed to say to her? He didn't even know what had happened.

But he knew one thing. She had a broken heart.

Unfortunately he knew that feeling all too well. The worst was when he'd stolen Roz's friend Sharon away from the doc. When Sharon dumped him, it was the worst

pain imaginable. Fortunately the doc's brother Niles was kind enough to have a session with him. Even if it was in the men's room.

He had to say something to Daphne though. He couldn't just let her cry on his shoulder all day. He just bought this shirt!

And money didn't grow on trees, ya know!

So he did what he knew best. "Hey... why don't we go get a drink and talk about this?"

She looked up, clearly surprised by the offer. "Oh, I don't think that's such a good-."

"Come on! I don't bite! Much." Bulldog said with a laugh.

"Well, okay, but let me call Mr. Crane and tell him where I'll be. I don't want to worry him."

"Oh hey! Don't do that!" Bulldog said a little too quickly.

"Why not?"

"Because if you tell him you're with me, then... Well I don't even want to think about the hospital bills. Not to mention the broken ribs."

"Oh nonsense! Mr. Crane would never do that!" Daphne said.

"It's not Grandpa I'm worried about!" Bulldog replied.

"All right, if you insist I'll just tell him I'm goin' out with me girlfriend. He'll never know the difference." Daphne said.

"Hey, I would! I ain't a girl!" Bulldog arched his shoulders back in an effort to show his masculinity.

Daphne smiled and took Bulldog's hand. "No, but you are me friend."

To this Bulldog lit up like a Christmas tree and offered Daphne his arm. "Shall we go?"

Daphne thought for a minute and then linked her arm through Bulldog's.

"Yes. I'd love to have a drink with you."