The Girl He Craves

Chapter 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 God 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 stupid 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.

me to show you around the company. I’m free now and would love to give you

A tour? Right now?

I bump

was convinced that the guy wasn’t truly

showing me

my first day and it would be best to leave a good impression. Sure Bernard and I were friends, but there was a line drawn

the one who suggested

okay then,” I said and rose to my feet. Lisa and

has really spoken highly of you Sophie. I’m really excited to work alongside you.”

in and for a few seconds, we spoke about nonsense

first floor. You should already be familiar with here.

to every word that slipped out of her

for a business meeting or you’re one of the higher-ups.” Lisa said as

and told me to

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

is Mr. Beckam’s new secretary, Sophie. Sophie this is Emliss.” She introduced us.

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

the back of her hand on his chest. “Don’t even think about it.”

my luck with her.” He denied but I could sense

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

nervous. “The CEO just made an urgent meeting. All staff must attend.”

short notice? What time is this meeting?” Lisa

He said everyone

meeting, he fired half of the workers. Now holding one on such short notice, I

Aiden’s pov

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

hand through

on Bernard’s floor. Does that mean she

dressed formally so it was obvious she

she

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

was I even thinking about

getting frustrated for? She was now one of my employees, which meant she was under me. I could

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 to

to feel frustrated just as

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

ring.

groggily. He must’ve gone

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 getting

up man, Aiden’s on the

the other line. I rolled

the only two who stood be side me through all of the shit I went through that one year in jail. My parents too, but I knew they were disappointed about what

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

Still, how crazy is that, that you run into her? What the hell is Sophie Bell doing

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

Austin chuckled. “Office

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

hell was it so hot in

Did you pull her into your arms?” Ryland asked sounding more

while unbuttoning the

like she

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