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.

the company. I’m free now and would

A tour? Right now?

bump into him

the guy wasn’t truly Aiden but a fragment of

Bernard okay with you showing me around

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

nodded. “He was the one who suggested

said and rose to my feet. Lisa

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

spoke about nonsense until the doors slid open and we step

this is the first floor. You should already be familiar with

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

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 out of the lift. I followed her and was about to

and told me

and bright

new secretary, Sophie. Sophie this is Emliss.” She introduced

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

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

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

on the conversation and I’m introduced to everyone until sud denly another rushed our

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

on such a short notice? What

ten minutes. He said everyone needs

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

Aiden’s pov

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

a hand through my hair

Does that mean

formally so it

did she

I should’ve known

even thinking about

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

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

feel frustrated just as

on the numbers. I dialed Austin. He answers on

ring.

groggily. He must’ve gone to a

While I was here running a multi-billion dollar business. Sure the job wasn’t bad, but I can’t help but feel jealous that Ryland

on the phone.” I heard

from the other line.

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

air into my lungs 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 doing in

what I was asking myself. What’s even

chuckled. “Office romance

be no office romance here. I’m

the hell was it

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

stated bluntly while unbuttoning the first button

pretended like she

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