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 and would love to give you

A tour? Right now?

I bump into

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

me around right now?” I

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

nodded. “He was the one who suggested

and rose to my feet. Lisa and

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

and for a few seconds, we spoke about nonsense until the doors slid open and

should already be familiar with here. This is usually

and I tried my best to look interested or at least listen to every word that slipped out of her mouth. But I would be lying if I

this is the 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.”

waved and told me

and bright blue eyes covered with glass

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

was tall and lean with brown hair and cute dimples when he smiled. “Hey.” He smiled at me and outstretched his hand. “I’m Gregg.” The corner

back of her hand

pouted. “I wasn’t planning to try my luck with her.” He denied but I could sense his lie and giggled

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

confused and nervous. “The CEO just made an

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

minutes. He said everyone

of the workers. Now holding

Aiden’s pov

my office, I loosened my tie. For some reason, it was

through my hair in

floor. Does that mean she

it was

she even

CEO, I should’ve known about everything that’s

I even thinking about

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

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

to feel frustrated just

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

ring.

He must’ve

left out. Austin and Ryland were 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 jealous that Ryland

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

voice flutters from the other line. I rolled

through all of the s**t I went through that one year in jail. My parents too, but I knew

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

think so. Still, how crazy is that, that you run into her? What the hell is Sophie

again. ” That’s exactly what I was asking myself.

chuckled.

here. I’m over her.” | gritted out, loosening my tie

hell was

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

bluntly while unbuttoning the first button on my

like she didn’t even

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