His friends nicknamed him Cougar as he tended to pursue women a bit older as he deemed them to generally be less clingy, and he wasn't exactly looking for a commitment. She didn't fit his usual criteria. She wasn't older, but she wasn't trim and desperate looking either. She appeared confident and secure being alone with friends She was there not to look for men, but have a good time, and when the evening had run its course, she would be on her way home. He had been more than a bit taken with her for some reason. Was it the sparkle in her eyes, her beautiful hair, her smile, the ample curves of her body, or the way she danced; possibly the combination of several or all, he just couldn't figure it out. He usually had no problem introducing himself to strangers either, but for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to do more than gaze at her from across the club. Then without anything which indicated she was preparing to leave, she was heading towards the door. He knew the odds he might see her again were slim, so he decided it best to catch her before she got away. He set off in pursuit and caught up with her outside. She was walking rather briskly, but he managed to grasp her arm saying, "Excuse me miss!" "I don't often do this, but I couldn't bring myself to until now." He continued as if he were a nervous school boy asking a girl out for the first time, "I'm Steve, I think you're beautiful, I work construction, I'm 27, and I'm wondering if you'd like to meet for coffee or a drink sometime because I'd like to get to know you." He then gently let go of her arm, and she turned back towards him and said, "Well, hi Steve." "I don't often have someone pursue me like this, but it's okay." "By the way, I'm Stephanie." "I guess before I would agree to meet someone I have just met, I'd like to get to know a bit more about them; do you mind emailing or talking on the phone a couple times before I agree to meet you somewhere?" Generally, Steve would have thought it was some sort of joke or brush off, and had chosen to walk away; but something told him this was a fair request and she was worth it. He more calmly now responded, "Certainly, I think I can understand any concerns you might have and I know, I'm a complete stranger to you, so I'm fine with answering any questions you might have before you agree to meet." "Do you have a preference, email or a call?" Stephanie reached into her handbag and pulled out her business card and a pen, then said; "Email me first, tell me a bit more about yourself and I'll write you back with my phone number." She scribbled off the work email, and wrote her personal one on the back, and handed Steve the card and said; "I look forward to hearing from you, but I do have to be going now, okay?" Steve took the card from her, studying the type on the front of the card in the evening's light, and replied; "I understand, it is getting a little late and I should be heading home too, don't let me keep you." With that done, they both bid each other a good night and proceeded on their way to their homes. Both Steve and Stephanie were pleasantly surprised by the events of the evening; but would soon be more pleasantly surprised by the turn of events in both their lives. Thanks for viewing and reading a little lengthy story this evening. Hope everyone had a great weekend, and hope the beginning of your work week is pleasant too. Good Night!