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.

has asked me to show you around the company. I’m free now and would

A tour? Right now?

I bump into

the guy wasn’t truly Aiden but

okay with you showing me

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

was the

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

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

few seconds, we spoke about nonsense until the

so this is the first floor. You should already be familiar with here. This is usually where the

slipped out of her mouth. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I was on the lookout for him

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

and told me to

blonde hair and bright blue eyes

is Emliss.” She introduced us. A younger man named Gregg

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

and smacked the back of her hand on

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

to join in on the conversation and I’m introduced to everyone

just made an urgent meeting. All staff must attend.” She rushed out in

a short notice? What time is this meeting?” Lisa asked

minutes. He said

fired half of the workers. Now holding one on such

Aiden’s pov

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

a hand through my hair

floor. Does that

so it was obvious

did she

known about everything that’s going on

even thinking about

frustrated for? She was now one of my employees, which meant she was under me. I

looked out the huge glass wall and glared at the skyscraper buildings No, that would be too easy to do.

want her to feel frustrated just

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

ring.

must’ve gone to a party again

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 jealous that Ryland and Austin were getting to experience

on the phone.” I

voice flutters from the other line. I rolled my eyes.

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

into my lungs before speaking, “I think I just saw Sophie Bell in my building. If

don’t think so. Still, how crazy is that, that you run into her? What

I was asking myself. What’s even crazier is that she’s working here,

s**t.” Austin chuckled.

I’m over her.”

Why the hell was it so hot

her? Did you pull her into your arms?” Ryland asked sounding more

while unbuttoning

she

she say anything to you? I bet she was shocked when she