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.

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

A tour? Right now?

I bump

was convinced that the guy wasn’t truly Aiden but a

me

leave a good impression. Sure Bernard and I were friends,

“He was the one

my feet. Lisa and I

really spoken highly of you Sophie. I’m really excited to work alongside you.” She admitted and pressed the button for the elevator

we spoke about nonsense until the doors

already be familiar with here. This is usually

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 for

last floor we can view. The CEO’s floor is off limits unless it’s for a business meeting or you’re one of the higher-ups.” Lisa said as she stepped

and told me

hair and bright blue eyes covered with glass es

Emliss.” She introduced us. A

smiled at me and outstretched his hand. “I’m Gregg.” The corner of his lips lifted into a

smacked the back of her hand on his chest. “Don’t

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

and I’m introduced to everyone until sud denly another

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

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

minutes. He said everyone

staff meeting, he fired half of the workers. Now holding one on such

Aiden’s pov

tie. For some reason, it was scorching hot even though the Ac was on

raked a hand through my hair

Bernard’s floor. Does that mean she

dressed formally so it

did she

the CEO, I should’ve known about everything

was I even

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 have no say in

chair and looked out the huge 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 squirming in my presence more for what she

feel frustrated

on the numbers. I

ring.

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

While I was here running a multi-billion

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

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

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

just saw Sophie Bell in my

crazy is that,

sighed and raked a hand through my hair again. ” That’s exactly what I was asking myself. What’s even crazier is

Austin chuckled. “Office

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

Why the hell was

do when you saw her? Did you pull her into your arms?” Ryland

while unbuttoning the first button

pretended like she didn’t

“Did she say anything to you? I