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.

to show you around the company. I’m free now

A tour? Right now?

if I bump into him

I was convinced that the

me around right

would be best to leave a good impression. Sure Bernard and I were friends, but there

the one who suggested

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

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

spoke about nonsense

already be familiar

listen to every word that slipped out of her mouth. But I would be lying if I

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 to

with blonde hair and bright blue eyes covered with glass

Beckam’s new secretary, Sophie. Sophie this is Emliss.” She introduced us. A younger man named Gregg comes to join in

He smiled at me

Emliss snorted and smacked the back of her

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

in on the conversation and I’m introduced to

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

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

minutes. He said everyone needs

nervous and worried.” The last time he held a staff meeting, he fired half of the workers. Now holding one on such short notice, I can’t help but be worried for

Aiden’s pov

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

a hand through my

on Bernard’s floor. Does that mean she works for

it

she even

should’ve known

I even

one of my employees, which meant she was under me. I could just fire her.

down on the 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

to feel frustrated just

on the numbers.

ring.

groggily. He must’ve gone to a party again

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

Aiden’s on the phone.” I heard a smack and

flutters from the other line. I rolled my eyes.

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.

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

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

s**t.” Austin chuckled. “Office

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

hell was it so

you saw her? Did you pull her into your arms?”

while unbuttoning the first button

like she didn’t even

to you? I bet she