Chapter 46 The Woman He Would Choose

Chapter 46 The Woman He Would Choose
In his bedroom, Dalton reviewed the essay he had just finished writing. His eyes were glued to the computer screen, completely unaware that someone had walked in.

"Three fund types: proprietary, governmental, and fiduciary..." he muttered to himself, reading the text aloud. "Codification section thirteen-hundred point one-zero-four classifies a debt service as... and the difference regarding expenditures..."

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Dalton flinched but managed to keep his temper in check as Kelsi rested her cheek against his. "Sounds incredibly boring," she murmured.

Dalton stood up abruptly, breaking her grip and pushing her back. "What are you doing in my room?"

"I thought you might want a back massage," she said, offering a sweet smile. "Besides, I'm going to Riley's birthday party tonight. We should go together. Your assistant looks busy anyway... let her finish her work."

"My assistant goes wherever I go."

Kelsi's smile faded into a pout. "She just gets in the way at these events. A girl like her stands out, Dalton, and it looks bad. You pay far too much attention to her for it to be professional. The other girls don't even feel comfortable coming up to talk to you."

"Good. Maybe I’ll make a point to only hire beautiful assistants from now on." He checked his watch, saved his document, and shut down the computer.

Kelsi sat down on the edge of his bed. "Tell me what you want me to be, Dalton, and I’ll change. Tell me what you need."

"What are you talking about?"

"Whatever you want, I’ll do it."

"You're not making any sense, and I don't want you in my house. Is Gustavo here? Did he bring you?"

She shook her head. "No, Gustavo told me to stay away. But I can't." She stood up, stepping directly into his space and resting her hands on his shoulders. "I love you, Dalton."

He rolled his eyes, letting out a sharp scoff. "Right. Like I haven't heard that exact line a thousand times from a thousand different girls."

"They don't know you the way I do! I know your favorite foods, your hobbies... I can be whatever you need. Do you want me to act like Mayzie? Is that what it takes? I can mock and play hard to get. Just look at me and turn your affections to me instead."

He violently knocked her hands off his shoulders. "You're making me sick." A cruel smile touched his lips. "I would choose the woman I'm forced to be engaged to over you, and I can barely stand to be in the same room as her."

"You don't have to love me," Kelsi pleaded, her fingers rushing to the buttons of her blouse. "You can just use me. Eventually, you’ll realize you like having me around."

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Proving how far I’m willing to go." She looked up at him, her voice dropping. "Take your clothes off."

"Get out," Dalton hissed, his voice dangerously low. "Do you honestly think you're the first girl to offer me this?"

"I’m offering to be whoever you want, and I’m giving you my body. Do whatever you want with it." She let her shirt fall to the floor, leaving her in a black lace bra. "It’s a disgrace for a man to reject a woman who gives herself willingly."

"Don't think for a second I won't throw you out into the street completely naked. The only reason I haven't dragged you out by your hair is out of respect for Gustavo. Anyone else would be covered in bruises by now."

Kelsi ignored him, continuing to undress until she was completely nude. She stepped toward him, reaching for the button of his pants, but Dalton moved out of reach.

"I'm offering you everything, Dalton. Stop chasing Mayzie; she doesn't even want you. Come to me."

"If you take one more step toward me, I will hit you. I don't care if you're a girl."

"Then, hit me. I told you, use me however you want." She took another step forward.

Dalton grabbed her by the wrists, holding her back at arm's length. "Do you really think sleeping with me is going to win me over? I don't care what you're willing to do. I have zero interest in you. In fact, I don't even see you as a woman."

"I'll prove to you that I am. Just give me a chance—"

"That’s enough, Kelsi."

Both of them snapped their heads toward the doorway. Mayzie was standing there, completely unfazed by the scene.

Kelsi's face twisted in anger. "Can’t you see this is private? Have you no shame? You really have no class."

"It looks to me like you're the one lacking manners," Mayzie replied coolly. "Dalton had already said no. Besides, he has a party to get ready for. You need to leave." She walked over, scooped Kelsi's clothes off the floor, and shoved them into the girl's arms. "Get dressed."

Embarrassment finally washed over Kelsi's face. She scrambled into her clothes as fast as she could and bolted from the room. Mayzie could hear her sobbing as she ran down the hallway.

"You really shouldn't have girls sneaking into your room. It’s a scandalous nightmare waiting to happen," Mayzie scolded, turning to Dalton's wardrobe to pull out a suit.

"Then maybe I should ask you to leave, too."

"I'm your assistant, not a guest," she countered, tossing a shirt onto the bed. "Go take a shower."

Dalton shifted uncomfortably. "How much of that did you hear?"

She shrugged. "I walked in right around the part where you asked if she really thought sleeping with you would fix things." She picked out a pair of shoes. "You're lucky I don't jump to conclusions, or you’d have a massive misunderstanding in your hands."

He snorted, trying to regain his posture. "I don't answer to you. It’s none of your business who I sleep with."

"From what I just heard, you don't sleep with anyone, virgin boy." Mayzie suppressed a smirk.

Dalton's face flushed a deep, furious red. "Unlike you, I don't sleep with people I don't care about," he spat out.

Mayzie dropped the shoes. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means I know all about the drama you're having with your boyfriend."

"And that makes you an expert in my relationships?"

Dalton opened his mouth to snap back, but caught himself. He took a breath, trying to sound dignified. "When the right woman comes along, she’ll have my full attention. Until then, you shouldn't judge a man for having standards. As you just saw, I get plenty of offers. I simply choose not to accept them."

"Maybe there's just something wrong with you."

"There is nothing wrong with me!" he snapped, his voice cracking slightly. "I am perfectly capable!"

Mayzie couldn't help but giggle. "I'm just teasing you, Dalton."

The anger drained out of him, leaving him looking thoroughly bewildered.

"Honestly, I think it's admirable that you're waiting for someone who matters," she said with a soft smile. "Now, go get in the shower."

He blinked, his face burning again. "Uh... thanks." He took a clumsy step toward the bathroom, then hesitated. "I'm... I'm going to shower now," he repeated, pointing at the door.

"Yes, I know. I'm the one who told you to."

"I'll be quick."

"Take your time. I'll be in the study — let me know when you're ready."

Dalton watched her walk out before finally stepping into the bathroom and locking the door. He leaned against the sink, staring at his reflection in the mirror.

"Stop it," he muttered to himself. "You gave up on her. Don't do this."

He turned on the water, letting the steam fill the room, and stepped into the shower. He tried to convince himself that his feelings were ridiculous, that he shouldn't care about her at all. But as the warm water hit his face, he found it impossible to ignore the frantic racing of his heart — or the memory of the very first kind words Mayzie had ever spoken to him.