A/N: Continuation of "I Heart Seattle" by Kristen3

As she kissed Niles' sweet lips, Daphne's heart beat even faster than before. She hadn't meant to kiss him like this. Not really. But now that she had she didn't ever want to stop. The feel of him holding her- kissing her lips, her cheek, her jaw line-was so new and unexpected, but also completely wonderful.

The words he'd said just moments before resounded in her head like a wonderful dream;

"I love you, Daphne."

And a sigh escaped as she deepened the kiss.

"Niles, what are you doing here so early?"

The sound of Frasier's voice startled them apart and Daphne quickly moved away. Oh God, had Frasier seen them? She wasn't ashamed to be kissing his brother; not in the least. But the elder Dr. Crane always found ways to discourage Niles from any attempt to get close to her.

And she was startled a second time by the realization of it all. Of course... How could she not have known? But before she could ponder the question, she heard Niles' voice.

"Hello, Frasier. "I just... um... I came over to see Daphne."

Frasier's eyes narrowed. "Daphne, huh? And what was so important that it couldn't wait until noon? We haven't even had breakfast yet!"

Daphne sighed and discreetly squeezed Niles' hand. "Dr Crane, leave your brother alone! He was very sweet to come over and check on me. You see, I had a bad day yesterday and he wanted to make sure that I was all right. H-he was at Café Nervosa and noticed that I was feeling a bit down."

It wasn't an outright lie. Having her clothes ruined by an inconsiderate driver did ruin her day, which hadn't been going that well to begin with. But now she found that she was grateful to the truck driver who splashed mud all over her brand new blouse.

The thought seemed ludicrous, but if it hadn't been for the truck driver's mishap, Niles would never have gone to such great lengths to buy her a shirt. And she certainly wouldn't be feeling what she was feeling now. No one had ever done anything so considerate for her before and as she turned to look at him, she wanted so much to kiss him again. But now was simply not the time. So instead she took his hand in both of hers and caressed his soft skin.

"Would you like to stay for breakfast, Dr. Crane?"

Niles smiled and blushed. "I'd love to Daphne, but I really should be going. I have an early appointment with a patient. Is it all right if I come back later?"

She felt a twinge of disappointment but refused to let it show. Instead she smiled and kissed his cheek, paying no attention to Frasier who was surely watching them suspiciously.

"Of course it's all right. Now you have a wonderful day."

"Thank you Daphne. I hope your day is wonderful as well."
She sighed, remembering that her blouse had been ruined. It was going to cost a fortune to get it dry cleaned but she supposed it was inevitable. It would be a shame to simply get rid of it. After all, she'd saved up for months to buy it and she was thrilled when she finally found it on sale.

"What's wrong?" Niles was asking now.

She looked up, realizing that she'd been deep in thought. "Oh... I'm sorry. I was just thinking about... yesterday."

"I'm so sorry that happened to you, Daphne. That driver was rude and inconsiderate and he should have to pay for what he did!"

Anger flared in his eyes and she squeezed his hand a little tighter. "It's all right, Dr. Crane. I'm sorry for upsetting you. It was my fault for wearing my new blouse so soon. I should have saved it for a special occasion. Well, it's too late now, I suppose."

"Oh Niles? Did you get the invitation in the mail for the annual wine club gathering? It looks like there's an opening for Cork Master and by God I'm going to win it this year! It's been far too long since-."

"Yeah, yeah, we know, We've heard it all before! Hey Niles, Daphne."

"Good morning Mr. Crane." Daphne said.

"Staying for breakfast, Niles?"

"Um, no Dad. Actually I need to get going but I'll be back later. Is that all right?"

"I can hardly wait." Daphne said in a voice that only Niles could hear.

"Well, I'm off. And Frasier? About that invitation. I guess mine was lost in the mail, although I have a feeling it wasn't."

"Oh Niles, that's a shame."

Niles lowered his head. "It's all right Frasier. It's just a silly wine club gathering. I guess I shouldn't have made that sarcastic comment to Richard when he blatantly insulted me."

"Well Niles you deserved it! How could you possibly think of speaking to the President of the wine club in that fashion?"

"Frasier, I was just- Oh never mind. I'll see you later."

He turned to leave; unaware that Daphne had followed him into the hallway.

"Dr. Crane?"

In surprise he turned around. "Oh... Daphne..."

"Don't mind your brother. He's been very insensitive lately, even to myself and your father. But speaking to you that way... and... I'm sorry about the invitation and about what that man said to you at the wine club. That's horrible! You're so sweet and you don't deserve to be treated so cruelly."

Niles sighed deeply and hugged Daphne. "Thank you, Daphne. You... have no idea how much that means to me. I love you."

She wanted to say the words back but she couldn't find the courage. Given Niles shy nature, it seemed funny how easily the words came to him, for she knew that he'd been waiting to say them for a long time.

Instead, she kissed him once more, basking in the feel of his arms around her.

"I'll see you later and I'll be sure to make your favorite meal the next time you come over, no matter what your brother says. And... Thank you so much for the shirt. I love it."

He smiled and squeezed her hand. "I'm glad. Goodbye Daphne."

"Goodbye Dr. Crane."

As she watched him step into the elevator, Daphne hugged her arms to her body. He really was a wonderful man.

A/N: TBC