It was the same woman he had seen at Lauren’s party last night. He was sure of that now. Though he had only got a glimpse of her long curly tresses, the round mole on her left shoulder and heard her hearty laugh that she shared with a friend, he could still remember vividly the perfume she wore – Passion by Elizabeth Taylor. Her scent had lingered in his memory all through day as much as the sweet twinkling of her laughter.

He had wanted to talk to her; had felt attracted by her fragrance. But it was sheer stupidity to assume anything without even seeing her face. Moreover his pride deterred him from approaching her; and so he had walked away.

But now, at the restaurant he not just recognized her mole and the perfume that wafted towards him, but sensed that she was looking at him. He looked at her and realized she was no stunner- he had seen women far more beautiful. But there was a mixed aura of sensuality, elegance and confidence around her that made her no less attractive than a Hollywood stunner.

She was sitting alone and it didn’t appear as if she was waiting for anyone. He still couldn’t decide whether to approach her. As he was musing she got up and walked up to him and said, “Hi. I saw you at Lauren’s party last night. My name’s Kate.” On seeing his dumbstruck expression she asked, “You want to dance?” He muttered a “yes” and led her to the dance floor. He introduced himself as Steven, Lauren’s friend from high school. She was Lauren’s cousin. She was here alone as she wanted to treat herself for getting a promotion. He had wanted to enjoy a quite evening all by himself and so dined alone that night.

They danced together as if they had done it many times before. She talked mostly and he listened and realized he was falling for this free spirited, confident woman. And then he said to her, “It must be your perfume but I am getting dizzy. Can we go to my place?” she laughed her twinkling laugh and he thought, “For this woman I would do anything.”

Well, they didn’t go anywhere that night but talked for hours. And all the while he held her hands and never took his eyes off hers.