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.

company. I’m free now and would love

A tour? Right now?

bump into

shook my head. I thought I was convinced that the guy wasn’t truly Aiden

okay with you showing me

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

was the one who suggested

and rose to my feet. Lisa and I walked

Beckam has really spoken highly of you Sophie. I’m really excited to work alongside you.” She admitted and pressed the

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

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

least listen to every word that slipped out of

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

and told me to

who’s this?” A young woman with blonde hair and bright blue eyes covered with glass

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

and lean with brown hair and cute dimples when he smiled. “Hey.” He smiled at me and

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

denied but I could sense his lie and giggled when Emliss

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

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

staff meeting on such a short notice? What

He said everyone needs

he fired half of the workers. Now holding one on such short notice, I can’t help but be worried for

Aiden’s pov

loosened my tie. For some

a hand through

Does that mean she works for

dressed formally so it

she

known about everything that’s

was I even thinking about

meant she was under me. I could just fire

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 did

feel frustrated just

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

ring.

He said groggily. He must’ve gone to

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 and Austin were

the phone.” I heard

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

Austin asked. Austin and Ryland were the only two who stood be side me through all of the s**t I went through that one year in jail. My parents too,

air into my lungs before speaking, “I think I just saw Sophie

dead man. Well I don’t think so. Still, how crazy is that, that you run into

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

Austin chuckled. “Office romance

no office romance here. I’m over

was it

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

her,” I stated bluntly while unbuttoning

pretended like she didn’t

you? I bet she was shocked when she