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.

show you around the company. I’m free now and would

A tour? Right now?

if I bump

the guy wasn’t truly Aiden but a

okay with you showing me around right now?”

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

the one who suggested

then,” I said and rose to my

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

about nonsense until the doors slid open

should already be familiar with here.

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

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 answer her when someone calls

and told me to

with blonde hair and bright blue eyes covered with

She introduced us. A younger man named

when he smiled. “Hey.” He smiled at me

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

wasn’t planning to try my luck with her.” He denied but I

few others came to join in on the conversation and

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

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

ten minutes. He said everyone needs

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 what’s

Aiden’s pov

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

through my

Bernard’s floor. Does that mean she works for

dressed formally so it was

she

should’ve known about everything that’s going

I even

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

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

to feel frustrated just

my fingers on the numbers.

ring.

must’ve gone to

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

I need rest.” Ryland’s voice flutters from the other line. I rolled

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

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

don’t think so. Still, how crazy is that, that you run into her? What

what I was asking myself. What’s even crazier

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

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

the hell was

you saw her? Did you pull her into

her,” I stated bluntly while unbuttoning the first button on

pretended like she didn’t even

cold.” Austin chuckled. “Did she say anything to you? I bet she was shocked