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 love to give you a tour.” She

A tour? Right now?

I bump

shook my head. I thought I was convinced that the guy

with you showing me around right now?”

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

was the

my feet. Lisa and I walked over

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

and for a few seconds, we spoke about nonsense

floor. You should already be familiar

least listen to every word that slipped out of her mouth. But I would be lying if I didn’t

of

and told

A young woman with blonde hair and bright blue eyes covered

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

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

snorted and smacked the back of her hand

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

the conversation and I’m introduced to

girl looked confused and nervous. “The CEO just made an urgent meeting. All staff must attend.” She rushed out

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

said everyone needs to

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

Aiden’s pov

some reason, it

a hand through

on Bernard’s floor. Does that mean she

formally so it was obvious she

she even

I should’ve known about everything that’s

I even

She was now one of my employees, which meant she

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

her to feel frustrated

my fingers on the numbers. I dialed Austin. He answers on

ring.

He must’ve gone to a party again last

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

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

Ryland’s voice flutters from the other line.

me through all of the s**t I went through that one year

before speaking, “I think I just saw Sophie Bell in

ain’t dead man. Well I don’t think so. Still, how crazy is that, that you run into her? What the hell is Sophie Bell doing

” That’s exactly what I was asking myself. What’s even

s**t.” Austin chuckled. “Office romance

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

hell was it so hot

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

unbuttoning the first button on my

like she didn’t

say anything to you? I bet she was shocked when