Niles swerved hard, his heart pounding. He let out a sigh of relief when he found himself back on the road. As soon as he could, he carefully turned back on to the shoulder, this time making certain to put the car into park. "Are you all right?" he asked, turning to Daphne.
"Yes, I think so," Daphne replied.
Niles once again let out a sigh. He immediately drew her close, rubbing her back as he held her. "I'm so sorry, Daphne. I guess I was more tired than I realized. But I would never, ever jeopardize your safety on purpose!"
Daphne pulled out of the embrace. "I know that, Dr. Crane. It was just an accident. I trust you."
Niles felt his heart melt at her smile. He could hardly believe that she could still say that after he'd nearly gotten them both killed. He couldn't resist reaching over to gently squeeze her hand. "I think it's clear neither of us is any shape to drive all the way back home now. Let's just find someplace to stay for the night, and then we'll call Dad and Frasier to let them know what happened."
Daphne nodded. "All right."
Niles was suddenly grateful for modern technology as he took out his cellphone. A quick glance at its built-in GPS told him there was a small motel just off the next exit. He was more accustomed to staying in five-star hotels, but at the moment, that motel was an answer to a prayer. As he once again turned on the engine, Niles thought of only one thing: getting the two of them safely to that motel. All thoughts of spending the night with Daphne would have to wait.
Niles carefully drove until he saw the exit sign. He then turned off, and sure enough, there it was. Fortunately, lights were on inside. He could only hope they would have a pair of rooms available. They parked and got out of the car. Niles felt strange walking up to the door without a single piece of luggage. He and Daphne walked to the counter. "We'd like two rooms, please," Niles said.
The clerk consulted her book. "Sorry, we've only got one vacancy. It's got a queen-sized bed, though. Will that be OK?"
Niles swallowed hard, finding it a bit difficult to breathe. "Um...do you have a cot or something?"
The clerk shook her head. "Sorry. We're all out. You going to take the room, or what?"
Niles and Daphne exchanged a look. "It's only for the one night," Daphne said.
"All right, we'll take it."
Moments later, they were being escorted to their room. "Here you are," the clerk said, handing Niles the key. "Have a nice night." With that, she walked away.
Niles turned to Daphne and smiled nervously.
Daphne reached over, squeezing his hand. "I know you're a bit nervous about spending the night together, but it'll be fine. It's just for one night!"
How was it Daphne always seemed to know what he was feeling? Well, most of the time, anyway. He opened the door. The room was small, and sparsely furnished. Just a bed, a small table, and a TV. Next to the bed was a nightstand which most likely contained a Gideon Bible. It wasn't exactly heaven, but it would do. He walked over to the bed. "Well, I guess we'll just call Frasier, and then turn in. We should probably get on the road as early as possible tomorrow. I don't think driving at night is a good idea." Daphne nodded. Just then, another thought occurred to him. "I guess we'll have to sleep in our clothes."
Daphne grinned. "No we don't." She picked up a small shopping back with a Powell's logo on it. "This was supposed to be a surprise, but I think it's better if I give it to you now. While you were in the men's room, I bought you a souvenir."
"Daphne, you didn't have to buy me anything! I...well, thank you," Niles stammered, feeling his face grow hot.
Daphne shrugged. "It's nothing much. Just a couple of t-shirts." She handed him his.
Niles took it, amazed at her thoughtfulness. He was used to sleeping in expensive silk pajamas, but he had a feeling this would be nearly as comfortable. He looked at it in wonder for a moment. But luckily he came to his senses quickly. "I'll just go put this on, and then call Frasier to let him know where we are."
Daphne nodded, and Niles quickly went into the bathroom to change. After taking off his suit, he removed his ever-present cellphone from the breast pocket. He then stepped out of the bathroom, feeling a bit awkward in this attire. But Daphne didn't seem to mind. "I'm glad it fits!" she said. Niles blushed at her compliment. Then he noticed she'd used the time he was away to change into her own shirt. Somehow it seemed to look much better on her than his did on him.
Niles held up his cellphone. "We'd better call Frasier now so he knows where we are," he said. He used speed dial to place the call. "Daphne and I decided we're a bit too tired to make the drive all the way back to Seattle. We found a motel right near the highway, and we'll leave first thing in the morning." He paused while Frasier expressed his disapproval of the situation. "Everything's fine, Frasier. I promise you, I'll take good care of Daphne." With that, he hung up the phone.
Daphne smiled, touched by what he'd told his brother. But of course he would take good care of her. Even after what had happened tonight, she still felt there was nowhere else she would be safer than right here. When Dr. Crane approached the bed, she stood up. "Which side would you like?"
Niles looked at her, surprised by the question. Even with his long marriage to Maris, he had very little experience sleeping with a woman, in any sense of the word. "Um...it doesn't matter, Daphne."
"All right. I'll take the left then." She walked around to the other side of the bed, lifting up the covers before getting in. Niles did the same. His heart raced at the thought of sleeping so close to Daphne. He got into bed, immediately turning on his side. Daphne's face was just inches from his. He longed to kiss her goodnight. But he knew that such a thing would be totally inappropriate under the circumstances.
"Goodnight, Dr. Crane. Pleasant dreams." She turned out the lamp, plunging their room into complete darkness.
Suddenly, underneath the covers, Niles felt Daphne take hold of his hand. Her touch caused him to sigh immediately. He drifted off, knowing his dreams would most certainly be pleasant.
