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.

I’m free now and would love

A tour? Right now?

bump into him

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

you showing me around right now?” I

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

the one who

rose to my feet. Lisa and I walked over to

excited to work alongside you.” She admitted and pressed the button for the

for a few seconds, we spoke about nonsense until the

should already be familiar with

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 the

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

told me to

A young woman with blonde hair and bright

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

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

try my luck with her.” He denied but I could sense his lie and giggled when

to join in on the conversation and I’m introduced

made an

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

He said everyone needs to

half of the workers. Now

Aiden’s pov

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

through

stopped on Bernard’s floor. Does that

formally so it was obvious

she

should’ve known about everything that’s

even

even getting frustrated for? She was now one of my employees, which meant she was under me. I could just fire her. Bernard would have no say

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

to feel frustrated just as

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

ring.

must’ve gone to a party again last

what college kids do, drink, smoke, and have sex. While I was here

man, Aiden’s on the phone.”

the other line. I rolled my eyes.

Austin asked. Austin 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 I knew

into my lungs before speaking, “I think I just saw Sophie Bell in my building. If not her then it’s her

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

and raked a hand through my hair again. ” That’s exactly what I was asking myself.

Austin chuckled. “Office

here. I’m over her.” | gritted

hell was it so hot in

do when you saw her? Did you pull her

unbuttoning

like she didn’t even

“Did she say anything to you? I bet she was