Some may find certain dialogue a little too suggestive for their personal standards.
(But as for the rest of you, don’t get the wrong idea and expect too much!
It’s really not much more risqué than the typical fanfic.)

Caramel Knowledge

by

Denise
(scholars_parrot@lycos.com)

Niles returned, arms laden with the most enticing assortment of mouth-watering toppings. He closed the door and stared intently. His head tilted down in a lascivious fashion, his brow was raised suggestively, and he was still humming that tune she couldn’t quite place.

His leer was just too much. “I’m too sexy for my nightstand, too sexy for my feather duster, too sexy for my comforter...”

Of course, that was the tune. Why hadn’t she recognized it? C.C. had been racking her brain. Maybe it had to do with the delightful series of assaults her body had just experienced. It stood to reason her mind would be affected too — not dulled exactly, but certainly numbed. “Mmmm, you are too sexy,” she purred.

“Thanks, I do my best.”

“Believe me, I’ve noticed.”

“I’m delighted you’ve noticed. I’m also thrilled to see you’re still here,” Niles teased as he walked toward the bed. “Now that I know what a high-spirited filly you can be, I thought you might become skittish and bolt while I was away.”

“Trust me, stud, that’s not happenin’ — but I think you knew that already.”

“Of course. Had I truly believed your departure was the least bit likely, I would have tied you to the bed.”

“Tied me to the bed, huh? Such a missed opportunity, Niles. Oh well, we’ll do the bondage thing later. In the meantime, what did you bring to snack on?”

“As I told the Sheffields, I already have something to snack on here in my room. I plan to snack on you, my love.” He began to empty his arms of the treats.

“The Sheffields? You spoke to them?” She was a little startled by his news.

“Yes, they were in the kitchen. Can you believe it?”

“Not really. Do you think they suspect anything?”

“Well, they did take me by surprise. There’s a slight possibility they might know something’s up.”

“And has been up much of the night,” she laughed. “Quite an accomplishment for a man your age.”

“Don’t give me all the credit. You had a hand in it yourself.”

“Yes, I’ve had my hands full all night. But getting back to Fran and Max. What went on exactly?” Niles didn’t answer. C.C. noticed he wore a stunned expression, and she wanted to know why. “What? Why is your chin in danger of hitting the floor?”

“You just said ‘Fran.’ Except for once or twice when you’ve called her things I can’t repeat, I’ve never heard you refer to her as anything other than ‘Nanny Fine.’”

“Well, I never felt like calling her anything other than that. But now, for some reason, I don’t mind so much.”

“Could it be that I’m part of the reason?” he inquired.

“Could be, but don’t get too cocky about it. I don’t want your head to swell.”

Niles gave her a smirking look in response. “Oh, but I think you do.”

C.C. happily smirked back. She noticed that he had distributed the various treats along the top of his nightstand. “Hey! Aren’t you going to share? Bring some of that over here,” she playfully demanded.

“Where have I heard that before? Oh, yes, here with you, just a couple of hours ago. Be patient, I have every intention of sharing. At the moment I’m organizing a feast of epic proportions.” He held an item for her to see, “We’ll play ‘hide the banana’ in a bit.”

“I imagine you plan to hide it in my ‘bits’?”

“But of course, C.C.” Niles suddenly became hesitant. “That is... if I may call you ‘C.C.’?”

“I believe our relationship has reached the stage where that would be appropriate.” He smiled at her answer, and C.C. posed another question. “Niles, when you were downstairs what did Maxwell have to say?”

“He didn’t say much of anything, except to ask if I needed something to put all these toppings on.” Niles removed his robe and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Oh, that’s too rich! What did you tell him?”

“Actually, that’s when I said I had something in my room.” He began covering her with caramel topping.

“You didn’t!” Her delight in his remark was immediately curtailed by the realization that it might have been too much of a clue. “Oh, you shouldn’t have said that. Even he could figure that one out.” C.C. became obsessively concerned about what went on in the kitchen. “And he didn’t say anything else? No doubt Nanny Fine did most of the talking. What exactly did she say?” She also managed an observation about the topping, “That’s a little cold, you know.”

“Sorry, love, I didn’t have unscrutinized access to the microwave.” He whispered a promise as he fed her a dab with his finger. “Don’t worry, I’ll warm it up shortly.”

“I’ll bet you will. But first, answer my question. What did Fran say?”

Niles reached for the chocolate syrup. “My goodness, that’s the second time you’ve called her that.” He couldn’t resist a bit of commentary while he drizzled the syrup. “You must be in an exceptionally good mood.”

“Niles!” She really wanted an answer.

He finally told her, tossing aside the chocolate and grabbing the Reddiwip as he did. “Well, when I noticed them I made some excuse about not being able to sleep, and she said I was probably all torn up about resigning.” Niles shook the can of whipped cream topping and sprayed it in several anatomically-inspired patterns.

“Was that it? If that’s all she said, it could mean anything. Maybe they don’t know.”

“And then she mentioned something about the smile on my banana.”

She panicked. “Good lord, they do know!”

“C.C.?”

“Yes?”

“Would you forget about the Sheffields for a while?” He began consuming the most tantalizing portion of the treat.

“Oh, yes,” she cried, “gladly!” A little later, despite the fact her mind was reeling, she did think to ask a couple of questions. “Niles, what about the other toppings? What else have you got?”

“Funny you should ask, love. I’ve one item in particular that I think you’ll enjoy.” The full length of his body came down upon hers. “A nice way to top off a sundae, eh?” he asked.

“A perfect way.” When Niles’ body pressed against hers, some of the toppings shifted to him, and C.C. partook by skimming her tongue across his shoulders and chest. “Absolutely delicious.” It drove him wild and she soon gasped, “And oh so filling!”

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The rhythm of their breathing returned to normal, and they lay embraced when C.C. took him by surprise. “Oh, Niles, I hate to leave!”

“What?!” He couldn’t believe his ears. “Why would you leave?”

Of course, he was right to object, and she knew it, too. Until a few seconds before she hadn’t any notion of leaving. But a certain panic took over as the sheer magnitude of all that had happened between them worked its way into her mind. “I have to. I’ve got to rescind my resignation in the morning, and I can’t very well do that in the clothes I wore the day before!”

“Don’t worry about that. Stay the night. Please? I haven’t waited an eternity to have you rush out on me.”

“I can’t. Maxwell’s sure to notice that I haven’t changed clothes. He might realize I spent the night with you.”

“Oh, Mr. Sheffield hasn’t noticed a thing about you since the day you first arrived. What makes you think he’ll notice anything now?” Insults were still a second nature, but his teasing was softened with a touching vulnerability. “Surely you can stay. You must stay. I can’t bear it if you leave.”

“But, Niles...”

“You’ve said ‘no’ to four proposals. Don’t insult me by saying ‘no’ to this request. I’ll become insecure.” He would employ every tactic available, including begging and playing to whatever guilt she might still feel regarding her cold-hearted dismissals of his love.

C.C. knew him too well. She was on to his game and had a quip ready. “I hardly think you can feel too insecure, considering the number of times I’ve said ‘yes’ to you within the past few hours.”

“Well, I admit you have given my ego a boost.”

“I think something other than your ego’s been boosted.”

“How observant of you, my dear.” His hands pressed into her back, pulling her closer to him. He gave her a kiss so tender she almost found it aching. “Please don’t leave me.” His plea was irresistible. Niles could see that she was giving his request serious consideration, but additional imploring wouldn’t hurt. “I love you, you know.”

“I know.” She said it as a simple matter of fact, as if she knew it was one of the accepted truths of the universe. The idea of not staying seemed a terrible choice now, and C.C. gave up all thoughts of leaving. She wanted desperately to remain by his side — possibly more than she had ever wanted anything in her life. “I’ve just recently discovered that I’m fairly fond of you too, Niles.”

“So you’re staying?” Niles waited for confirmation.

“Yes, I’m staying.” Her answer was exactly what he wanted to hear.

“C.C., you won’t regret this, I promise.”

“I hope you’re right,” she laughed and whispered, “for your sake as well as mine.” C.C. nestled her head next to his. “Now shut up and get some rest. I have big plans for you tomorrow.”

He smiled and closed his eyes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

A night of very little sleep had no impact on Niles’ biorhythm. He woke at his normal hour, which was very early. He was in a mood that was nowhere near normal, however. The man was absolutely on cloud nine. At some point during the night C.C. had lain her head on his chest, and he was careful not to wake her. He watched in wonder as her head moved slightly up and down in tandem with his every breath. It was nearly impossible to believe. Was it true his dream had become a reality? Niles knew there were times when he could be counted among the most cynical of men, yet he was beginning to believe in miracles. For she was a miracle. The fact of her here with him was a miracle. Their night together was a miracle.

C.C. began to rouse. She slowly raised her head and smiled at him. “Morning, lover,” she spoke with a huge grin.

Niles returned the greeting, “Well, the creature finally stirs. Hello, hello!” He kissed her forehead.

If Niles was on cloud nine, she was floating somewhere near the edge of the universe. She kissed his chest and lay her head back upon it, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms tightly around him. “Mmmm, what a perfect day this is going to be!”

“What a perfect night last night was.” He tenderly stroked her hair.

“Wasn’t it though? Funny, just yesterday I thought my life was falling apart.”

“Just last night, I realized mine began,” was his baritone response.

Then and there some part of her instantaneously knew she’d spend the rest of her life with him. Oh, she never planned to marry Niles. To be tied up in a legal knot was far too constricting — not necessarily outwardly binding, but paralyzingly frightening deep down within. Still, she was aware they’d be together forever. Hell, in their own odd way they’d already been together forever.

Niles did for her what no other man had or could. He’d caused her most deeply-held inhibitions to be driven away, enabling her capacity for receiving and returning love in full measure. He’d released all her passions and met all her desires. She knew it was a tired old cliché, but it was one that definitely applied — he truly had touched her in places where she’d never before been touched. C.C. laughed at the thought. Of course she’d meant it figuratively, but she immediately realized it was quite literally true as well.

“What’s that you’re laughing about?” Niles inquired.

“Oh, I was just thinking.” Her musing had kicked her libido into high gear. “I wish we had time for another snack before breakfast.”

“We have plenty of time. I’m always up well before the Sheffields.” He looked at the clock. “I imagine we have nearly half an hour.” He cocked his head to one side. “You do realize the nature of my work demands that I be something of an efficiency expert. I can accomplish a lot in 30 minutes.”

“I’m listening. Go on.”

He spoke in a very exaggerated fashion, as though he was delivering a lecture on the topic. “Well, to be truly efficient, tasks must be combined. For instance, two can shower as quickly as one.”

“I doubt that.” C.C.’s skepticism was at a high level.

“It holds true in theory, anyway. Of course, the practical reality might be quite another thing. Still, it’s worth a try. And if we find I’m incorrect and it takes much longer to shower together than it does to shower separately,” he paused and pulled her closer, “well, all the better.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

After the most pleasantly exhaustive cleansing of their lives, Niles and C.C. scurried out of the shower, scrambled into their clothes and quickly made themselves presentable. It seemed practical reality had soundly trounced untested theory. C.C. noticed the time, “Oy, are we ever running late!”

“I suppose I can tolerate the Yiddish if it comes with the territory.” Niles sighed in jest.

“Exactly what ‘territory’ do you mean?” she inquired, though she full well knew the answer.

“I mean the territory I planted my flag in last night.”

“Next you’ll be telling me you did it all for England,” she deadpanned.

Niles responded. “I assure you, I didn’t give England a thought.”

“Well, I sure as hell did.”

“Oh, and why was that, love?”

“I got a real strong sense of history repeating itself. For some reason I wanted to shout ‘the British are coming’ on several occasions.” C.C. playfully theorized why such a thought would come to mind. “Might have something to do with a certain British scoundrel I know, and how he spent the entire night infiltrating enemy territory.”

“Yes, and I believe the scoundrel was welcomed as a hero. In another time, your treasonous little hide would have been tarred and feathered, my sweet.”

“Well, I must admit I do enjoy slamming you hard, so that did cross my mind, but I bit my tongue in deference to the fact our two sides have now made peace with one another.”

“I think it’s also fair to say our two fronts experienced quite a diplomatic breakthrough.” C.C. moved in closer. “By the way, if you get tired of biting that tongue of yours, I’ll take over for you.” She gave him an intense kiss.

His hands roamed freely, instinctively acting to remove her attire. Maddeningly, Niles realized they shouldn’t continue down that path. Duty required each of them to put in an appearance downstairs. He tore himself away from the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers. “Let’s not do this at the moment. We’re like two teenagers in the backseat of your BMW, for heaven’s sake.”

He was so near and so attractive. C.C. could barely utter a response as her senses took in the warmth of his breath and the scent of his cologne. “I know, I know. We need to be more adult.” The unintended implication of her words dawned on them both at the same time, and they couldn’t resist a second longer.

They threw themselves into another passionate kiss. It went on for what seemed a frenzied eternity, and when it was over C.C. rested her head on his shoulder and made a confession. “I’m not sure I'll survive the intensity of all this, Niles.”

There were many things he desired, but at that moment what he desired most was to comfort her. “Of course you’ll survive, Babcock. You’re a survivor. It’s what you do.” Niles patted her back and decided to lighten the moment with an observation that was of some relevance to the conversation. “Now, if you want to focus on something that won’t survive the intensity, just take a good look at my shower door. Did you notice the damage? We’ll have to be more careful or we’ll demolish the thing.”

The levity had served its purpose. Her doubts were gone. “That’s not a problem. If we do, I’ll buy a new one.”

Her offer hit a nerve, and it was Niles’ turn to be anxious. “I can’t have you paying for such things! That would make me feel like a third-rate escort.”

“C’mon, Niles, don’t be ridiculous. You’re strictly first-rate.”

It was a compliment of the highest order and he knew the sentiment was sincere, even if her way of expressing it was a little glib. Oh, how he wanted to be worthy of her! Had he known exactly how she felt about his newly revealed ‘hidden assets,’ he wouldn’t have given the issue a second thought. But since he wasn’t yet entirely aware, the financial situation still made him uncomfortable. If only he could manage to achieve something monumental to offset that massive discrepancy. I’m a witty, intelligent, capable man — I’ll come up with some idea. In the meantime, I’ll firmly stand my ground. She’ll not be paying for such items. Besides, it’s Mr. Sheffield’s responsibility to pay for house repairs. “No, I won’t permit it. I’ll feel as though I’m a kept man.”

“If that’s your objection, I’ll just take it out in trade.”

“You mean have me clean your penthouse? You’d be getting the weak end of that deal.” Niles let his hands fall to her hips and whispered an explanation. “I’ll let you in on a little secret — sometimes I’m not very devoted to the art of cleaning. Why, I don’t always bother dusting under the appliances.”

“Niles, that’s not exactly the kind of trade I meant. Actually, I believe I’d be getting the firm end of the deal I had in mind, my dear escort.” She ran her hands across his chest. “You know what? I can’t wait until we have the chance to make love again.”

“Yes,” he nodded, “and again and again. Isn’t it nice to know we’ll have plenty of opportunities during the day?” He enfolded her in his arms and began an ardent assault on her ear.

“You just read my mind, but then, having your tongue stuck in my ear probably makes that a lot easier.” C.C. closed her eyes and sighed, “Oh, who would have guessed there’d be such an advantage to working around you?”

Niles paused long enough to respond. “Who would have guessed there’d be an advantage to maintaining such a massive house with so many hidden nooks and crannies?” He resumed his endeavor, this time gently nibbling her ear before slowly working his way down the side of her neck.

“And you plan on showing them all to me?” she asked.

“I can’t wait to conduct a personal tour. I’ve an overwhelming desire to explore all your nooks and crannies as well.” He brushed her hair aside and kissed her nape.

“So I’ve noticed. To think I told Fran the idea of moving into your room wasn’t the least bit appealing. I almost believe I could stay here forever!”

“I have to admit, love, it’s a far more pleasant space when you’re a part of it.” His hold on her tightened.

C.C.’s reference to Fran had triggered a delayed reaction in the rational hemisphere of her brain, and she soon realized there was a real risk of being caught. “Speaking of Nanny Fine, I guess we shouldn’t stay. I mean, the longer we wait, the more likely it is she’ll come snooping.”

Niles felt her pull away. “Thank God you didn’t show this kind of cautious self-restraint last night,” he joked as they ended their embrace. “I could stay forever too, but you’re right. We really must go downstairs.”

“It just hit me, Niles, I’m nervous about facing them. My hands are shaking... help me with this jacket.” She motioned for him to assist with the button.

“I can manage that, although it’s not as much fun as unbuttoning your outfit last night — and definitely not as much fun as unbuttoning you last night.” He swiftly did the button on her jacket.

“That’s another thing — I’m sure these clothes are a dead giveaway. I should have gone home and changed.”

“Cheer up. As I told you earlier, they may not even notice.” Niles held her trembling hands in his and kissed them.

While C.C. welcomed his soothing gesture, it didn’t allay her fears. “I suppose that is a possibility with Maxwell. But with Nanny Fine? Forget it.”

“Well then, would you care for one of my robes?” he teased.

“I think that might clue them in for certain, don’t you?”

He took her in his arms and drew her closer, gently guiding her head so that it rested on his shoulder. “Relax, love. Maybe they know, maybe they don’t.” Niles’ lips brushed against her hair, and his voice was softly encouraging. “So what? We’ve sorted through everything, and we’re on a new path. Together, remember? We’re neither of us alone anymore, and we don’t have anything to fear. Certainly not facing them.”

His words and embrace eased much of her distress. She raised her head and looked into his eyes. “You’re right.”

“Of course I’m right.” Niles clasped her face in his hands. “Now go on down there with all the bravado you can manage. Imagine you’re stepping into a roomful of potential backers, if need be. Plant that dazzling smile on your face and be done with it.” He kissed her and she walked to the door. Niles called out to her. “I’ll see you shortly, oh, and, C.C.,” she turned to face him, “just for your amusement, I’ll be carrying something to remind you of me.”

“I’ll be waiting and watching. And you better put on one of those heavy cardigans.”

“What? You don’t want me taking cold?”

“No. We want to do our best to conceal just how happy you are to see me.”

He flashed a blinding smile. “Right and remember, we don’t let on at all. That way, even if they do know, they won’t feel free to ask too many questions.” He rethought his last statement, “Well, Mr. Sheffield won’t, anyway.”

She nodded and offered a suggestion, “Niles, wait a few minutes so it won’t look too suspicious.” He blew a kiss, and she was out the door.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

C.C. perched on the arm of the sofa and didn’t really pay much attention to Fran and whatever it was she was blathering. Miss Babcock was clearly transformed. She glowed, she beamed, she sighed. She joyfully crossed one leg over the other and absent-mindedly kicked the air. C.C. was thinking of one thing and one thing only: Niles. Last night had been the most startling of her life. Oblivious to the presence of Fran and Max, she pondered the night’s most stupefying moment.

They were on the brink of consummating when Niles paused and pulled back. “Babcock, there’s something I need to mention.”

“Please don’t stop, Niles.” She begged in a breathless voice.

“Just for a second.” He pressed soft kisses along the contour of her jaw.

“What is it? Surely you’re not going to tell me about some old war injury? Or in your case, I guess it would have to be some mangling accident involving your bagel cutter?” She teased in spite of the intensity of the moment.

“No, I assure you everything is quite functional.” Niles continued gently kissing and caressing her.

“Well, I kinda noticed.” She returned the kisses.

Niles was so impassioned that he struggled to respond. “But that’s just it, you’ve only partially noticed — hands roaming, our bodies pressed together in darkness — neither quite delivers the full effect. I don’t want you to be too surprised. Oh, how to put this?”

“What does it matter how you put it? It’s where you put it that counts.” Her voice was urgent. “Honestly, Niles, you’re almost scaring me. Please don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts.”

“Don’t be frightened, my sweet. What I mean to say is how to put this without sounding like some macho fool.” His kisses were reassuring, but his voice was laden with restraint.

“Just say it!” she pleaded.

“Love, I may not be well-endowed financially, but in one area of immediate concern I’m quite well-off. I was afraid if I didn’t tell you it would come as rather a shock. A pleasurable shock, I hope, but a shock nonetheless.”

“Niles, I think I’ll survive. As I said, I did notice. I admit things have been slow lately, but I’ve been around the block a time or two. And some of the guys on my block were pretty well-off themselves.”

“Well, perhaps, but unless a select group of ‘adult’ film stars lived on that block of yours, I still think you’re going to be surprised, you know, when we actually...”

She interrupted, more aroused than ever. “Instead of telling me all about it, why not let me judge for myself?”

“As you wish, Miss Babcock.” Niles had never been so happy to fulfill a request in his life. Desire overwhelmed him, and his last teasing pretense of formality was supplanted by actions of a most intimate nature. “Oh, my love! You’re the woman of my dreams,” he whispered in rapture.

C.C.’s smile beamed just a little brighter as she remembered her immediate and very vocal reaction. Understandably, that response was repeatable solely within the confines of her own mind, and her thoughts quickly moved on to other things she had shared with Niles. What was it he said just before I left his room? Oh, yes, he’d be carrying something to remind me of him.

C.C. was aware Niles could be a devious man, he’d certainly been so on numerous occasions in the past. She was aware he was an ingeniously clever man, he’d nearly always been so in the past — often at her expense. Yet she wasn’t at all prepared for the sight of the deviously clever Niles who cheerfully made his way into Maxwell’s office that morning. When he came strolling in with the spout of the watering can strategically aimed at her, she nearly lost it. Although it was her intent to exude an air of dispassionate indifference at the sight of him, she had to subtly and quickly avert her eyes, and the smile that was frozen on her face became slightly self-conscious. At least he’d taken her advice about the cardigan — not at all a good look but certainly a practical one. Still, she couldn’t take her eyes off him as he made his way to the terrace. He looked far more happy and content than she’d ever seen him appear before last night, and she was pleased to know that she was the sole reason for his joy.

Maxwell called her back to earth. “C.C., I, uh, I thought, uh, I thought you resigned last night.” He could barely keep a straight face, but C.C. didn’t notice.

“Oh, can’t a girl have a change of heart?” she sighed in blissful explanation.

Despite her awareness that the Sheffields might know of the change in her relationship with Niles, and in spite of her earlier anticipation that Nanny Fine would notice she was wearing the same outfit from the day before, C.C. was caught off guard by Fran’s response. “I think a change of clothes would do you better. Aren’t you wearing the same thing you wore yesterday?”

The remark abruptly squelched C.C.’s serenity. Damn, they do know! Niles had said not to let on and she wouldn’t. She had to quickly search her mind before responding. “Um, yes. When I find an outfit I really love, I always buy two and wear it the next day. Haven’t you ever noticed?”

Nanny Fine screeched back, “Nooooooo!”

C.C. decided to engage in damage control by putting an immediate halt to the conversation. “Well, get use to it. It’s going to start happening a lot.” She triumphantly slid off the couch and glided across the office toward Maxwell’s desk. It was definitely time to move on to matters that were strictly business in nature.

Though a monumental change had taken place in her life, C.C. was aware some things never change. Like death and taxes, one of the planet’s constants was Maxwell’s attitude toward a certain Broadway icon. So when she delivered her good news to Max, C.C. tried to avoid any mention of the composer’s name. “Maxwell, I have fabulous news! Someone wants to rent the 49th Street Theater to open a new play.” But he pressed for details and, much as she tried, she was unable to casually slip the dreaded name past him.

Of course, his reaction was exactly as she’d anticipated. “What?” he indignantly questioned. “No! Absolutely not. I don’t care if I lose a fortune. That man is not having my theater!”

After a clumsy initial attempt, Fran managed to quiet him when she appealed to his vanity. C.C. watched the scene unfold, then found herself distracted by the idea of peering out at the terrace to catch a glimpse of Niles.

Once Maxwell was appeased, he turned to C.C. and brought her focus back to business. “And you can call the newspapers and tell them Maxwell Sheffield is producing his own new show!” He made his way out of the office, delivering a final command as he exited. “Oh, and, uh, have them print our pictures side by side. I want everyone to see I’m the pretty one.” Nanny Fine really had scored big on the shamelessly manipulative entreaty to his vanity. C.C. would have to remember the ploy for future use.

Not long after Maxwell left, while she sat on his desk and punched in the first of a series of newspaper numbers that were permanently stored in the speed dial portion of her brain, C.C. heard the terrace door close. That could only mean one thing: Niles was in the office. She immediately stopped dialing and looked for him out of the corner of her eye. She wanted to be cool because she knew Fran was certain to pay close attention, but appearing coolly unruffled was extremely difficult when what she wanted above all was to attack him on the spot. C.C. glanced at Niles, and he returned the look.

They were only able to make fleeting eye contact before Fran’s voice cut into their silent, sidelong gestures of communication. “Oh, hey, did either of you guys happen to see Diagnosis Murder last night? I fell asleep.”

Both responded with offhanded casualness as they answered in unison. “Um, no.” The nonchalance was a little forced, but Niles and C.C. felt they had pulled it off.

Hoping for success, they were taken by surprise when Fran strolled out of the office with an all-too-knowing parting comment. “Oh, that’s so too bad. I was so hoping to find out if the butler did it.” Niles’ eyes nearly bugged out of his head, and C.C. peered past him to view Fran’s body language.

Niles’ composure returned as quickly as it had abandoned him. “What do you think?” he inquired of C.C.

“Oh, do they ever know!”

“No, I mean I think a morning break is in order. What do you say to a little downtime on the sofa?”

“Niles! Doesn’t it bother you that they know?”

“It could have been a lucky guess — they still might not be certain. Now, how do you feel about break time?”

C.C.’s response was adamant. “I think you’re the most shameless slacker who ever lived. Why Maxwell has put up with you all these years is beyond me! And lock the door before you haul your husky self over to the sofa.” She suddenly became hesitant. “Oh, wait. What about the terrace?”

“I think the sofa would be much more comfortable.” He growled in a voice she could barely resist.

“No, I mean someone might see us!”

Niles didn’t want to hear it. “Oh, there’s nothing out there but a bird or two.” He whispered provocatively, “And even if someone should happen to see us, don’t you think the risk would add a certain something?” He was intent on following through. C.C. arched her brow in response, and Niles knew the more intriguing aspects of a “risk factor” had put him over the top.

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