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

A tour? Right now?

I bump into

thought I was convinced that the guy wasn’t truly

you showing me around

first day and it would be best to leave a good impression. Sure Bernard and I were

the one who

said and rose to my feet. Lisa and I walked over

to work alongside you.” She admitted

a few seconds, we spoke about

first floor. You should already be familiar with here. This is usually

continued 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 didn’t admit that I was

CEO’s floor is off limits unless it’s for a business meeting or you’re one of

and told me

and bright blue eyes

is Emliss.” She introduced us. A younger man named Gregg comes

cute dimples when he smiled. “Hey.” He smiled at me and outstretched his hand. “I’m Gregg.” The corner of his lips lifted

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

planning to try my luck with her.” He denied but I could sense his

join in on the conversation and I’m introduced to everyone until sud

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

What

ten minutes. He said everyone needs to

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

Aiden’s pov

loosened my tie. For some reason, it was scorching hot even though

raked a hand through my hair

floor. Does

it was obvious

did she

should’ve known about everything that’s going

even thinking

now one of my employees, which meant she was under me.

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

to feel

the numbers. I dialed Austin. He

ring.

must’ve gone to a party

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

man, Aiden’s on the

from the other line.

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

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

Still, how crazy is that, that you run into her? What

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

s**t.” Austin chuckled.

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

Why the hell was

Did you pull her into your arms?” Ryland asked

stated bluntly while unbuttoning the first

pretended like she didn’t

“Did she say anything to you?