She was about to call Elaine when her phone rang, and it was Ben.

“Hey, there, just calling to say hello and see what your plans are for the weekend. Didn’t know if you wanted to do something Friday night?”

“Hi, Ben. Thanks again for showing me around New York. That was such a fun night.”

“Of course, anytime. If you take that job, we can do that more often.”

Andrea hesitated—she always hated conversations like this, and she really did like Ben. “I’ve actually decided not to take that job. I’m happier here, and there’s also someone that I’ve recently grown closer to and, well, I think I need to see where that goes. I hope you understand.”

“Oh. Yes, of course. I’m disappointed, but I understand. He’s a lucky guy, whoever he is.”

“Thank you, Ben. It’s been great getting to know you.”

“You, too. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

“I’m sure you will.”

Andrea ended the call feeling sad and relieved at the same time. Ben was a really great guy, a catch for the right girl. But that girl wasn’t her. There was only one person she wanted to kiss, and she couldn’t wait to see him.

She called Elaine next and felt bad after that call, too, as Elaine wasn’t going to get a commission from placing her. Hopefully, she could still fill the role, though, as Elaine shared that she represented the other candidate, too. It was a great opportunity, but it just wasn’t the right one for her.

Andrea took a little more care than usual with her hair and makeup before going in to work, curling the ends a bit and using a new lipstick in a deep rose shade that made her lips look fuller.

Marco was at the concierge desk when she arrived and he smiled when he saw her, but his expression was guarded as if he was bracing himself for bad news. She walked up to him, smiled big and simply said, “I’m staying.”

The light came back into his eyes and his smile matched hers.

“Well, you’ve made my day. I can swing back by and we can celebrate after your shift, if you like?”

“I would like that very much.”

Her shift ended at eleven and at a few minutes of, Marco texted her that he was at the outside bar saving her a seat. Andrea practically danced out the door and as soon as she settled into her seat, before she said a word, she leaned over and kissed him. “I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” she admitted.

He grinned. “Just the first of many, I hope.”

Andrea ordered a glass of wine, and after it came, she turned to him and raised her glass. “To new beginnings.”