The minute she parked her car at the Montana she opened the door and scrambled out. Seconds later, she was racing through the elegant lobby, giving an absent nod to the doorman, George on her way to the elevator. Once inside, she pushed the button for his floor, but the closer she came to her destination the more her heart raced. By the time she reached his apartment door, it was all but impossible to keep her eyes from filling with tears. She had no idea what she would find when the door was opened and that was the most terrifying feeling she could have imagined.
She said a silent prayer as she rang the doorbell, willing her heart to still itself. But as usual, her heart refused, choosing instead to beat even faster. After a wait that was much too long, she finally heard footsteps and the sound of the door unlocking. And in the seconds of anticipation that followed, a few tears escaped making their way down her cheeks, but she made no effort to brush them away.
The door opens and she found herself looking into his crystal blue eyes and handsome face which held an expression of complete surprise. "Daphne…"
"Dr. Crane…"
The relief of seeing that he was okay-on the outside anyway, was so great that she moved forward and hugged him tightly, resting her head against his chest.
"Daphne, what are you doing here? Not that I mind your company at all. You're always welcome here."
She leaned against him and closed her eyes, hoping that this wasn't a dream. "Thank God you're safe." Her voice was quiet and wobbly when she spoke and she knew that he was startled by her sudden embrace. But he didn't seem to mind, the way he held her closer and rubbed her back in response. And she found that she simply couldn't let go, nor did she ever want to.