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.

company. I’m free now and would love to

A tour? Right now?

bump into him

head. I thought I was convinced that the

me

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

the one who

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

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

in and for a few seconds, we spoke about nonsense until

first floor. You should already be familiar

slipped out of her mouth. But I

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

told me to tag

and

Sophie. Sophie this is Emliss.” She introduced

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

d**n flirt.” Emliss snorted and smacked the back of her hand on his chest.

to try my luck with her.” He denied but I could sense his

few others came to join in on the conversation and I’m introduced to everyone until sud

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

staff meeting on such a short notice? What time is this meeting?”

He said everyone needs to

nervous and worried.” The last time he held a staff meeting, he fired half of the workers. Now holding one on

Aiden’s pov

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

a hand through

on Bernard’s floor. Does that

it was

she even

the CEO, I should’ve known about

even thinking about

I even getting frustrated for? She was now one of my employees, which meant she was under me. I could just fire her. Bernard would

glass wall and glared at the skyscraper buildings No, that would be too easy to do. I won’t fire her just yet. I want her

her to feel frustrated just as

the numbers. I dialed Austin. He answers on the

ring.

He said groggily. He must’ve gone

Ryland were in college, doing what college kids do, drink, smoke, and have sex. While I was here running

man, Aiden’s on the phone.” I

I need rest.” Ryland’s voice flutters from the other line. I rolled my

the only two who stood be side me through all of the s**t I went

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

crazy is that, that you run into her? What the hell is Sophie Bell

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

chuckled.

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

was

you do when you saw her? Did

her,” I stated bluntly while unbuttoning the first

pretended like she

chuckled. “Did she say anything to you? I bet