First time car wouldn't start for me

[shacky]

After taking long ride with the wife I dropped her off then had another 30 minute drive. Parked and came back out 10-15 minutes later and car would not start. Cranking like crazy but nothing like it was out of gas. I thought maybe it flooded. Temp gauge was into the "0" of 180 but certainly not hot enough to shut it down. Went back in store to let it cool off just in case. When I came back out still nothing. Waited another 10 and while waiting I noticed puddle under car towards front of cabin area. After a little panicking I crawled on ground to stick my finger in puddle hoping it wasn't oil or antifreeze. It wasn't. Just water - looked like condensation from AC but this car's so new to me I wasn't sure before feeling and smelling.

Something told me to turn off AC before starting and...started right up.

Now I don't know if turning off AC had anything to do with it but I'm puzzled and could use your advice.

It's a '99 with 75K.