We were in each other's presence for mere minutes the first time we met, but those few minutes instantly reprinted on my memory. As I walked into the French Palace that cool October evening fifteen years ago, I asked myself for what felt like the hundredth time what I was doing.

"How did I let Brass talk me into drinking with the guys?" I muttered. Okay, I was new to Vegas. Okay, I didn't know anyone. But one thing I've never been is sociable. I've always been happiest with just my bug collection.

Speaking of Jim, he was motioning to me from a table kiddie corner to the stage. Averting my eyes shyly when I saw the half-naked brunette dancing on stage, I manuvered my way through the cat-calling and gawking crowd of men.

"Brass," I nodded in greeting.

"Gil, I'm glad you could make it," Jim said. He introduced me around the table.

I was courteous. I drank beer. I laughed at their raunchy jokes, but after two hours, I couldn't be there anymore.

I was walking past the bar when I saw the burly man harassing the blonde in the dancer costume. He had her by the forearm and was talking obnoxiously loud. I didn't think twice. I stepped between the two of them, grabbing the man's arm and jerking it away.

"Get away from her."

"Who are you? Her husband?" the man sneered at me.

"As a matter of fact, he is," came a honeyed voice from behind me. I kept my focus on the man in front of me even as the club's owner, Tony, arrived on the scene to diffuse the situation.

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

It took me a moment to realize he was talking to both of us. The woman surprisingly came to my defence once again.

He was helping me, Tony."

Tony looked over at her, then back at me. My esteemed antagonist was still shooting daggers at me. After a moment, Tony motioned for one of his burly bouncers to escort our "Friend" to the door. I still wanted to make sure there wasn't going to be any more trouble. I had every intention of following. A feminine hand found its way to my arm. My breath caught in my chest.

"Wait." I turned around to meet a startling pair of blue eyes. "I .I wanted to say thanks."

I managed to shake myself out of my stupor. "It was my pleasure." My grin must have looked goofy. She was laughing. A sweet, angelic, sexy laugh.

"Catherine, you're on in 5." A red headed waitress interrupted us, much to my chagrin.

Catherine gave me a sunny smile. "How about it, Handsome, wanna get a piece of the action?"

I genuinely was sorry I couldn't stay, which kind of surprised me. "Can I take a rain check?"

Catherine looked disappointed. It quickly disappeared behind a demure smile. "Suit yourself."

I managed a smile and turned to walk away before I heard Catherine again. "Hey, you never told me your name."

"It's Gil. Gil Grissom.

"Catch you soon, Gil Grissom."

If only I knew how soon.