Chapter 5 sitting in front of me

blond hair appear on his forehead. I just nod at his question and he presses something on the car stereo. Within seconds, a pop song starts playing in the car, and my eyes widen, not believing that he has the same musical taste as me. "What's wrong?" he asks, shrugging. "I have a younger sister who loves that kind of music." "Is your sister better?" I ask, a little uncertain. The light changes and he turns his attention back to the road. "It seems like you heard something in the company hallways, huh?" he asks, but his harsh tone is gone. He seems, oddly enough, relaxed.

"Well, I always try my best to avoid listening to what people say, but it becomes impossible when people insist on talking about other people's lives out loud." "It all starts with that blonde who works at the reception desk," he says, as if he knows everything. "Yes, I keep an eye on my employees, which is why, even though she's been at the company longer than you, I chose you to be my assistant." "What do you mean?" - Well, I read the resumes of all the people who were qualified to be assistants, and I also observed each one for a while. I saw that out of all of them, you were the only one who didn't follow up or even say anything about my sister's issue. - he says and I'm speechless. I never imagined he was capable of that. - But how? I've never seen him... - I have a friend who pretended to be a new employee for a while, he was the one who gave me every detail. - he says and blinks slightly. - I've never liked gossip, I think it's unnecessary. Especially because we never really know what happened, only who was involved. So, I just put it aside and focus on working. - I say and he gives a slight smile. He's smiling, that's strange. - But to answer your question, Melissa is better. By the way, thanks for asking. - he says and I smile back, trying to control my emotions. How can it be so simple to talk to him? - We're here. - he says and stops the car in front of a fancy restaurant, leaving me speechless. - Everything okay? - he asks, and I close my mouth, smiling to hide it. What did I expect, after all? He's a rich man, used to places like this. I was lucky that Lola helped me with my clothes and makeup, otherwise I would be completely out of place. He gets out of the car and hands the key to a guy standing on the sidewalk. As soon as I go to open my door, he does it first and helps me get out. A little clumsy, I step wrong, bumping our bodies. I look up, silently apologizing, and he just smiles, holding me by the waist. We walk to the entrance and are soon led to our table. I can't help but notice how much the women present pay attention to his every step. Is it always like this? - Didn't you like the place? - he asks, catching my attention, and I finally come back to reality. - Sorry, I was just distracted. - I say and go to sit down, but he stops me, pulling out my chair. - Oh, thank you! - I can be a gentleman, Sophie. - he says and winks, sitting in front of me. - So... - I look at him, seeing his honey-colored eyes, looking anxious. - Is what you said true? Or rather, which part of all this is true? - I ask, and he takes a deep breath, putting the menu aside. A waiter comes over to us and Daniel looks at me expectantly. - Can I order for you? - he asks and I nod, since I've never had a problem trying something new. He talks to the waiter and orders a wine that I have no idea the name of. From the dishes on the menu, I assume it's an Italian restaurant. He hit the nail on the head! Even though I'm not used to all that fine structure, I would never say no to a well-prepared pasta. - So, to answer your question. - he says and puts his arms on the table. - I felt attracted to you ever since I saw you, in fact, ever since I saw your photo in the file we have of the employees. Look, I know it may be strange, but I was dealing with a lot of things when I came back to Brazil, some of them, I hope to be able to tell you calmly one day, but I need you to know that I didn't know how to deal with what I was feeling. Besides, you never looked at me, or showed me anything, and this "rejection"... - he says and makes air quotes. - It only made me worsen my behavior and, well, treat you badly. But then, I saw that trying to leave you aside and pretending it didn't affect me wasn't working at all. So, I decided to be an idiot and set things up behind your back, try to get your attention and... - You succeeded. - I say, still trying to absorb his confession. - Why did you change your mind? - When you asked if we always needed to act, I saw that that wasn't how you wanted your attention, not as if you were obligated to be with me. - he says and puts his hands in his hair, making it even messier. - I acted like a teenager when I went to your mother and talked to her, I know that now. This is new to me, Sophie. Acting without thinking and trying to win someone over. I... I was just trying to get it right and I realized that I hadn't done it. - Okay. - I say, thinking about everything. - Were you going to use this deal to win me over? - Yes, because I thought it was the only way to get you closer. - he says, and looks completely embarrassed. Daniel Lourenzinni is embarrassed, I never thought I would see this. - It feels like I'm in a movie or even a book. - I'm honest. Our orders arrive and I smile when I see a lasagna on my plate, because even without knowing what it's made of, I'm sure it can't be bad. - Can I ask you something? - Daniel asks and starts eating, looking at me a few times. - Of course. - Why have you never looked at me? - he asks and I stop with the fork at the same time, staring at him, not understanding his question. - I mean, you've never flirted with me or simply looked at me. - You've never been good at that. - I say and smile. - Besides, my job comes first and I didn't want to miss this opportunity just because I looked at my handsome boss. He then stops eating and looks at me, smiling slightly. - What's wrong? - I ask without understanding. - You think I'm handsome. - he says and I shrug. - I'm sure you've heard better compliments. - I say, feeling comfortable and he smiles broadly. - You're different here, completely different from how you are at work. - he says and it's my turn to smile. - You say you're rude at work and completely gentlemanly outside of it. - I tease. - Touché. He's right when he says I'm different, obviously I am. If there's one thing I've always valued, it's my work, because I know how important it is to both me and my mother, who fought for everything. That's why I've never argued with him or even looked at him, for fear of making a wrong move and losing my only source of income. I look at him fon