The Girl He Craves novel (Sophie and Aiden)

80

Aiden's pov

In my office alone I reach out for the phone and dialed Austin's number.

I needed to speak to one of them. Last night I spent an unconsiderable time chatting with them about Sophie and Ashton.

They were the ones who advised me to build a bit of a re- lationship with Sophie so that we can raise Ashton better.

But I wanted a bit of revenge for what she did to me.

But now......I wasn't sure.

There were clearly too many emotions in me when I was handling Sophie. Revenge didn't sound as sweet as it once sounded years ago when we were in high school.

Before, revenge was a way for her to notice me and for me to have an excuse to talk to her.

But now, revenge would undoubtedly push her away from me and make her fears she had of me with Ashton worst.

I didn't want to screw up.

I had a chance to turn the tide around and perhaps get what I always wanted in the first place. What would be the point of getting revenge for such a small thing that can now be fixed? I can't dare to make her see me as a huge enemy. I want

her to see me as....

"Oi Aiden, was just about to head to class. What's up man? How's everything going with Sophie and Ashton? Can't believe you're actually a dad now." Austin snorted out.

I couldn't believe it either. I never saw myself as a father as yet. Especially when Sophie hadn't been in my life for a while. Crazy how life turned out.

I got to father Sophie's kid but something told me that Sophie didn't like that it was me. And as much as I hated that thought, loathed it with a passion, I could understand why.

I was after all her bully in high school, something I wasn't proud of and was forced into that role because of the hatred I had for what she said about me, even though I still clearly

wanted her attention then too.

"Yeah I can't believe it either. Ashton's great." I smiled. I hadn't known my son for more than 48 hours yet but he had already taken the spot of the person I most loved in the world. Then my smile faltered when I remembered that Sophie hadn't really warmed up to me with Ashton. I could sense it.

Was I doing something wrong to persuade her that I was good for her and Ashton?

I bought her a brand new car and saved both her and our son from driving in that wrecked death trap. Most women would throw a party if they were gifted with something so ex- pensive yet Sophie only showed me hostility.

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And then I bought her expensive clothes and shoes and all she could think about was paying me back!

How can I show her that I was able to take care of both her and Ashton if she keeps sweeping my gifts to the side and not acknowledging that I was doing this with the kindness of my heart?

You see even though my mind had been riddled with the need for revenge for what she did to me, I still wanted....her.

I did all of this today to show her that I can take care of her and Ashton. Why could she not see that?

Why was she still fighting me?

"It's just that," I brush a hand through my hair in annoy- ance and frustration. I wanted to show Sophie that I can take care of both Ash and her through my actions.

She would obviously not believe me if I just straight up said that I wanted us to be a family. I had to show her. She'd not believe my words, especially with our past. Words were not going to fix this, actions would.

"I bought her a car today man. A brand new car and she tore the paper and threw it in my face. And then I bought her new clothes too and the first thing she thought was to pay me back." I rubbed my forehead, frustration showing on my face by my forehead beading with sweat.

"I can't win when it comes to her," I grumble lowly in an- noyance.

Austin stays quiet for a few and then chuckled. "Man if Ryland was here he'd call you a dumbass. But I'll do it for him.

Aiden Xavier, you're a fucking dumbass." Austin chuckled louder which fueled my irritation.

I gritted my teeth. "That's not funny man. I don't know what to do. She's difficult. I mean, I know why she's difficult. but you'd think she'd cut me some slack."

"Why would she do that when you've been a menace in her life? She would not trust you so soon Aiden. Flashing all those nice things at her so early will only make her think you're flashing your wealth and showing her that you're better than her." Austin snorted.

I admit, he had a point. I wasn't thinking clearly then.

"Was giving her a job to fill as my secretary a bad deci- sion? I just wanted her near.... for revenge of course."

Austin snorted like a pig in disbelief. "Sure for revenge. Last night I remember you were so mad and spitting about re- venge and shit. Now your tone is different and you want to get in her good graces. You finally see that you can never be mad at that woman for too long."

I pinched the skin between my brows. Him slapping the truth at my face wasn't quite helping me at the moment. It was only feeding my irritation.

And that damn bitch Noel. How dare she leave her dirty thong in the drawer.

She must have had an inkling Sophie would take her spot. And even if she didn't know it would be Sophie herself, then she purposely left that thong in that drawer for the next sec- retary to see. Dirty woman trying to claim something that wasn't hers. I should've never touched that vacuum. Well in better words, I should've never let the vacuum touch me.

"Are you going to remind me of how much of a miserable ass I am when it comes to her? Or guide me on a way to get into her good graces? I need this to work Austin. I can finally get what I've always wanted." I said.

Maybe this was the universe's way of showing us that we did belong together after all. Why else would we magically end up in the same place after years? Why would Sophie have my kid?

This was meant to be. And maybe it was time I stopped playing around and get what I've been craving for so long.

I want her. I wanted us to be a family.

Austin chuckled. "Yeah man I'll help you but you shouldn't be so impulsive next time. Take things slowly, she's skittish at the moment. She doesn't trust you which is one of the main reasons why she chose to keep Ashton from your knowledge.. You need her to warm up to you and show her that you've changed. By the way, making her your secretary was a good idea. Keep your woman close that's the main focus."