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.

you around the company. I’m free now and would love to

A tour? Right now?

if I bump into him

that the guy wasn’t truly Aiden but a

me around right now?” I asked,

impression. Sure Bernard and I were friends, but there was a

“He was the one who suggested

I said and rose to my feet. Lisa and I walked over to

highly of you Sophie. I’m really excited to work alongside you.” She admitted

for a few seconds, we spoke about nonsense until the doors

already be familiar with here. This is usually where the

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 the lookout

a business meeting or you’re one of the higher-ups.” Lisa said as she stepped out of the lift. I followed her and was about to answer her when someone calls

and told

who’s this?” A young woman with blonde hair and bright blue eyes covered with glass

this is Emliss.” She introduced us. A younger man named Gregg comes to join in

tall and 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 his lips lifted

d**n flirt.” Emliss snorted and smacked the back of her hand on his chest. “Don’t even think

with her.” He denied but I could sense his lie and giggled

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

confused and nervous. “The CEO just made an urgent meeting. All staff must attend.” She rushed out in one

notice? What time is this

ten minutes. He said everyone needs

of the workers. Now holding one on such short notice, I can’t help but be worried for what’s

Aiden’s pov

I stepped into my office, I loosened my tie. For some

through my

floor. Does that mean she works for

dressed formally so it

she even

should’ve known about everything that’s going

was I even thinking

now one of my employees, which meant she was under me.

be too easy to do. I won’t fire her just

her to feel

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

ring.

He must’ve gone to a

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 jealous that Ryland and

the phone.” I heard a smack

the other line. I rolled my eyes. Lazy

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 I knew

saw Sophie Bell in my building. If not

Well I don’t think so. Still, how crazy is that, that you run into her? What the hell is Sophie Bell

exactly what I was asking myself. What’s even crazier is that she’s working here, I’m sure of

chuckled.

be no office romance here. I’m over her.” | gritted out,

Why the hell was it

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

bluntly while unbuttoning the first button on

she didn’t even

to you? I bet she was shocked