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

thought I was convinced that the guy wasn’t

me around right now?”

best to leave a good impression. Sure Bernard and I were friends, but there was a line drawn

“He was the one who

and rose to my feet. Lisa and I walked

Sophie. I’m really excited to work alongside

seconds, we spoke about nonsense until the

first floor. You should already

word that slipped out of her mouth. But

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

and told me

this?” A young woman with blonde hair and bright blue eyes covered

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

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 into a

her hand on his chest.

her.” He denied but

conversation and I’m introduced to everyone until sud denly

confused and nervous. “The CEO just made an urgent meeting. All

staff meeting on such a short notice? What

ten minutes. He said everyone needs to

time he held a staff meeting, he fired half of the workers. Now holding one on such short notice,

Aiden’s pov

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

raked a hand through

Bernard’s floor. Does that mean she works

formally so it was obvious she worked

did she even

the CEO, I should’ve known about everything that’s going

even

which meant she was under me. I could just fire her. Bernard would have no say in

buildings No, that would be too easy to do.

to feel frustrated just

the numbers. I dialed Austin. He

ring.

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

here running a multi-billion dollar business. Sure the job wasn’t

up man, Aiden’s on the phone.” I heard a

from the other line. I rolled my eyes.

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

I just saw Sophie Bell in my building. If not her then

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

and raked a hand through my hair again. ” That’s exactly what I was asking myself. What’s even crazier is that she’s working here,

s**t.” Austin chuckled. “Office

“There will be no office romance here. I’m over her.” | gritted out, loosening my tie

the hell was it so hot

you do when you saw her? Did you pull her into your

stated bluntly while unbuttoning the first button on

like she didn’t even

cold.” Austin chuckled. “Did she say anything to you? I bet she was shocked