"It's late." He said between kisses. "Well, I mean that it's much later than it was before."
"I know." She replied, breathless.
His fingers moved through her hair. He simply could not stop touching it. Reluctantly he lifted his mouth from hers. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, Niles." She gazed into his eyes. "I just… I can't seem to stop looking at you. You're so handsome."
He'd told her that she was beautiful a million times before, but hearing her say that he was handsome nearly moved him to tears. He leaned to kiss her once more, but she pressed her fingers lightly against his mouth.
"What is it?" He asked again.
"I just want to look at you a bit more. Is that all right?"
"Of course it's all right. But on one condition."
"Niles, another condition?"
"Hey, rules are rules."
Daphne laughed. "You're right, Dr. Crane. This is your house, isn't it? What sort of rule would you like me to follow?"
"Just one. You must allow me a few more kisses."
His comment made her laugh and he wasted no time in reclaiming her soft lips. The kisses became passionate; more demanding and sent his mind to dangerous places. He kissed her until he was breathless, making up for so much lost time. How many opportunities to kiss Daphne had he missed? He had no idea, but he certainly didn't want to miss any more.
"Niles…" She breathed as his mouth found its way to hers.
"Yes, my angel?"
"Niles, I'm hardly an angel."
"Of course you are." He said against her mouth. "You're a beautiful woman and an angel and I love you…so much."
Gently he pushed her further against the plush cushions of the sofa, cradling the back of her head in his hand.
"You're right. It is late. Maybe we should-."
He drew back and looked into her eyes and then kissed her once more. "I agree, it is late." Reluctantly he drew back and stood. He stared at her as she lay on his sofa, her long body outstretched. She was more beautiful than Venus. He held out his hand and smiled. "Come, my love."
She smiled and took his hand, allowing him to help her off of the sofa.
"My love…" She repeated. "Thank you, Niles. That's beautiful."
They stood in front of the sofa and he took her into his arms. "You're beautiful." He said, brushing a fallen lock of hair from her forehead. "And you're mine. I hope you don't mind my saying that. Because I would never-."
Her mouth met his. "Of course it's all right. I am yours, Niles Crane. Always."
"And I'm yours, Daphne. Always."
A few moments later they joined hands and made their way upstairs. Tonight was going to be a night that they would always remember, because it was a night that he'd always dreamed of.