Eduardo did not feel well after what he said to Mel. When he got home, he started pacing back and forth, not knowing what to do. He felt that he had somehow hurt Mel, and it bothered him deeply. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her face, her sad and disappointed eyes, and he felt guilty.
"Damn it, Eduardo, what have you done?" Eduardo scolded himself, thinking.
Eduardo thought about going back to Mel's house, fixing things, but he didn't know how. The memory of the kiss was still fresh in his mind, the taste of her lips, the softness of her touch. Eduardo knew he needed to deal with it, but every step seemed difficult. He was torn between reason and desire, between the fear of being betrayed again and the desire to smell her, to kiss her again, and to satiate the desire that Mel had awakened.
He sat down on the sofa, running his hands through his hair in frustration. He thought about calling her, but hesitated. What would he say? How would he explain his confused feelings? He was attracted to Mel in a way he couldn't control, but he was also afraid of the complications it might bring.
Eduardo put the phone aside, deciding to talk to Mel on Monday.
Mel spent the rest of the weekend at home, she was tired, and what happened between her and Eduardo left her a little down.
"Why did you fall in love, Mel?" Trying to distract her mind, Mel started to tidy up her room until she found the bag with Eduardo's coat and handkerchief that she had forgotten to return and would do so as soon as possible.
On Monday, upon arriving at Sand Imports, Mel went straight to Eduardo's office.
"Mr. Bittencourt, good morning." They looked at each other for a moment. "I wanted to return your coat and handkerchief that you lent me the other day," Mel said, holding out the bag to him.
Eduardo looked at Mel, seeing a neutral expression on her face, but feeling the distance that had settled between them. He took the bag and tried to smile.
"Thank you, Mel. And... I'm sorry..." Eduardo was trying to find the right words to say to Mel.
"You don't have to apologize, Mr. Bittencourt. How can I be of service now?" Mel was cold to him, and he felt she was more serious with him.
"I'm reviewing some documents; I don't need anything at the moment."
"I'll be at my desk if you need me. Excuse me," Mel requested in a polite but distant tone before leaving the room.
Eduardo was left alone, holding the bag. He opened it and took out the coat, feeling the clean, well-cared-for fabric. When he picked up the handkerchief, a faint scent of Mel was present. He brought the handkerchief to his nose, inhaling the soft scent she had left behind. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling a mixture of regret and desire.
Sitting in his chair, Eduardo realized that there was something about Mel that touched him deeply.
The relationship between the two did not change in the following days. Both maintained a professional distance, avoiding any interaction that might bring to light the complicated feelings that had arisen. Eduardo struggled to focus on work, but Mel's presence in the office was a constant distraction.
That morning, Eduardo was in his office reviewing some reports when the operations manager of one of the company's branches, Carlos, came in for a previously scheduled meeting with him. Carlos was known for his uninhibited and often inappropriate behavior.
"Good morning, Eduardo," Carlos greeted, extending his hand.
"Good morning, Carlos," Eduardo returned the greeting, indicating a chair. "Please, have a seat."
Carlos settled down and, before starting to discuss business, he faced Eduardo.
"Your new secretary, Mel, isn't she?" Carlos began in a tone Eduardo didn't like. "She really is a very beautiful woman, what a body she has."
Eduardo felt a pang of irritation and jealousy. He kept a straight face, trying to control his emotions.
And Carlos continued in his carefree tone:
"You know, I've always admired women who know how to stand out in the workplace. Mel seems to be the type who knows how to attract attention, and if she wants to, she can move up the ranks easily," he said with a suggestive smile.
Eduardo gritted his teeth, trying to remain calm. The thought of Carlos talking about Mel with ulterior motives made him uncomfortable.
"Carlos, let's focus on the reason for your visit, please," Eduardo requested. "We have many important matters to discuss about the branch, which has not been meeting its targets recently."
Carlos seemed surprised by the change in tone.
"Of course, Eduardo. Let's get to work," he replied, adjusting himself in his chair and changing the subject to business.
During the meeting, Eduardo tried to concentrate on operational issues, but the image of Carlos talking about Mel so casually continued to bother him. He knew his feelings for Mel were more intense than he cared to admit, and this interaction had only reinforced that.
When Carlos finally left, Eduardo leaned back in his chair, irritated. He needed to find a way to deal with his feelings. The thought of other men seeing her the same way as Carlos bothered him deeply.
Meanwhile, he tried to focus on his work, but he couldn't help but think about Mel and the impact she was having on his life.
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