The Girl He Craves

40

Sophie’s pov

My fingers tremble as I dialed Mila’s number. She was probably already on her shift but right now I wasn’t thinking clearly.

I brought the phone to my ears and lifted my thumb to my mouth to bite on my nails. Anxiety was eating me alive right now, and I needed to hear a familiar voice to ease me and hold me down to reality. Because right now, I was convinced that this was a crazy dream and that I hadn’t actually seen Aiden.

Because there was no way in hell Aiden would ever ignore me after all those years. He would at least want to give me a piece of his mind or at least say my name, right?

Why was I even frustrated that he hadn’t acknowledged me?

I groaned and chewed on my nails. This really was a bad habit I should stop.

Mila answers on the fourth ring. “You caught me on a bad time Soph

“Sorry. I uh-I think I just saw Aiden Mila.” I breathed out in a rush as an image of Aiden in the elevator with me pushes into my mind.

He was so cold in there. He didn’t even spare me another glance after I said his name. He hadn’t even acknowledged that his name tumbled out of my lips.

“What?” Mila breathed out in both shock and confusion. “Did you say Aiden? As in Aiden Xavier? You saw him?”

“1

Oh G*d Mila, I wasn’t even sure what I saw in the first place. Maybe it was another guy alto gether and he hadn’t answered me because he wasn’t Aiden in the first place.

Maybe my s**id mind just placed Aiden’s image onto the guy’s face. Yes, that seems about right, I didn’t see Aiden, that was only my imagination.

“I’m not sure Mila. He

I sighed. Why can’t leven speak properly now? Gosh, I’m literally still tongue-tied.

“What do you mean you aren’t sure? Soph

Mila’s words are cut off by Lisa calling out my name to grab my attention. I look up. ashamed that I was caught on my phone during what was supposed to be my work hours.

“Mila I’ll call you back.” I rushed out and end the call quickly. I shifted in the seat and looked at Lisa like I was constipated. My first day and I was caught doing something I shouldn’t be do ing

Would she report me to Bernard?

“Yes? | asked sheepishly while cringing inwardly. Great first impression Sophie. I scowled at

myself.

Lisa smiled politely and outstretched her hand over the desk. “I’m Lisa, Bernard’s PA. Wel come to Harrington.co. I had meant to greet you earlier but you looked out of it.”

| smiled awkwardly and took her hand in mine. She shakes my hand firmly. “I’m Sophie. Bernard’s new secretary. Sorry about earlier, I thought I just saw…

I trailed off unsure of what to say without sounding crazy.

“I thought I saw a ghost.”

Really Sophie? A ghost doesn’t make you sound crazy at all. My conscious mocked me sar castically.

I wanted to groan out loud. I must sound like a complete nut job right now.

Lisa’s brows furrowed but she doesn’t push me to elaborate. Instead, she changes the sub ject, which I was more than grateful for.

to show you around the company. I’m free now and would love to give you a tour.” She

A tour? Right now?

I bump

my head. I thought I was convinced that the guy wasn’t truly Aiden but a fragment of

showing me

would be best to leave a good impression. Sure Bernard and I were friends, but there was a line drawn when it comes to

the one who suggested

then,” I said and rose to my feet. Lisa and I walked over

really excited to work alongside you.”

spoke about nonsense until

the first floor. You should already

continued and I tried my best to look interested or at least listen to every word that slipped out of her mouth. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I was on

for a business meeting or you’re one of the higher-ups.” Lisa said as she

waved and told me to tag

who’s this?” A young woman with blonde hair and bright

secretary, Sophie. Sophie this is Emliss.” She introduced

lean with brown hair and cute dimples when he smiled. “Hey.” He smiled at me and outstretched his hand. “I’m Gregg.” The corner of

her hand on his chest.

“I wasn’t planning to try my luck with her.” He denied but I

to join in on the conversation and I’m introduced to everyone until sud denly another rushed our

nervous. “The CEO just made an

short notice? What time is this meeting?” Lisa

said everyone

nervous and worried.” The last time he held a staff meeting, he fired half of the workers. Now holding one on such short notice, I can’t help but be

Aiden’s pov

as I stepped into my office, I loosened my tie. For some reason, it was scorching hot even

a hand through my hair in

floor. Does that mean she works for

dressed formally so it was

she even

should’ve known about everything

even thinking about

meant she was under me. I could just fire her. Bernard

and glared at the skyscraper buildings No, that would be too easy to do. I won’t fire

want her to feel

fingers on the numbers. I dialed Austin. He answers on the

ring.

man.” He said groggily. He must’ve gone to a party again

clenched my jaw feeling left out. Austin and Ryland were in college, doing what college kids do, drink, smoke, and have sex. While I was here running a multi-billion dollar business. Sure the job wasn’t bad, but I can’t help but feel

Aiden’s on the phone.” I

Ryland’s voice flutters from the other line. I rolled

and Ryland were the only two who stood be side me through all of the s**t I went through that one year in jail. My parents too, but

lungs before speaking, “I think I just saw Sophie Bell in my

that, that

exactly what I was asking

chuckled. “Office romance

I’m over

hell was it so hot

b**it. What did you do when you saw her? Did you

bluntly while unbuttoning the first button on

like she didn’t even

you? I bet she was shocked when