After We Fall (Take the Fall, #3)(10)

Saylor busies herself with cleaning off her desk. “Give me a sec, and I’ll bring up your information.” Pushing at her glasses, she focuses on the large computer screen in front of her. “There you are.” Her eyebrows rise. “You raised lambs and a calf?”

“Farmer’s daughter and former 4-H’er,” I reply, hoping that my experience is enough.

“Um…well, do you have any recent experience with animals?”

My face falls. “No.” How could I when Penn refused to allow a dog or cat in our home? He claimed it was because we had to move so much while he was on active duty, but once he got out…I knew he refused in order to punish me. He couldn’t stand the thought of my attention being diverted away from him by anyone or anything. “I…uh…I’m a fast learner.”

Saylor gives me a small but sweet smile. “You were really good with Padme.”

“Animals usually like me, and I usually like them.”

“That’s the kind of answer I want to hear.” Her smile turns into a grin. “You’re honest, and I like that.”

“I try to be.”

“One last question.”

My heart starts to beat like it has taken flight. “Yes?”

“You don’t have any work history for almost six years? Did something happen to you?”

I got married and after the first year, he forbade me from working anywhere, that’s what happened. But I can’t share that with Saylor. “My husband was in the Army and we moved around a lot.”

Her dark gaze goes to my left hand. “You’re married?” Then her eyes widen. “Ack! Don’t answer that. Sorry.”

The genuine expression of horror on her face makes me want to hug her, and I haven’t felt like touching anyone for a long, long time. I lean forward and give her a wink. “Don’t worry. I won’t report you.” I wouldn’t know where to report her, even if I wanted to.

“Omigosh. Thank you.” Saylor jumps to her feet, extending her hand. “You’ve got the job.”

My mouth drops open for a second. “I do?”

She nods happily, even as her arm falls to her side. I should have shaken her hand.

“B-but I don’t have the experience.” Ugh. Why am I saying this? Oh, wait, I know, because of Penn.

“You’re only good at one thing, Evangeline, and I’m mighty glad you’re so damn willing,” Penn says, playfully slapping my butt cheek as he gets out of bed.

I bury my head in the mattress, refusing to look at him. I’m so eager to please him, so desperate to make him see the error of his ways, that I am willing. Worse, he’s not just good in bed…he’s amazing and attentive. He’s tender and loving, and if that’s all we did, then our marriage would be perfect. I don’t know if he’s this way to screw with my head or if it’s because he doesn’t drink or get high when he wants to have sex. I suspect that he can’t get it up then.

And before today, it had been a week since we’d last slept together. A week of walking on eggshells and praying to God that he would keep coming home late.

Those perfect days of sobriety are the ones I cling to, the ones that I treasure and make me hope for a better future with him. When he’s happy and healthy, I love Penn more than anything. When his blue eyes aren’t so cold, I bask in the warmth. I’m not a quitter and I won’t give up on him because he has problems. He just needs help. What kind of wife would I be if I left him now?

“I can do this,” I whisper. “I’m strong enough.”

But just as I turn my head, I see him grab a bottle of pills from the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. “What the f*ck did you wash the towels in?”

“The detergent I always use—the one you like best.”

He shakes his head, his eyes growing frosty. “Oh, baby, I don’t think so. Guess I’ll have to spend some time teaching you about what I like best.”

Turning away from him, I shove my fist into my mouth to keep from screaming.

I’m not strong at all.

“Evangeline?” Saylor snaps her fingers in front of my face and I’m shocked to discover that she’s standing right in front of me. A concerned frown pulls the corners of her lips down. “Are you feeling okay? You got really pale.”

Taking a deep breath, I force a smile and push my raw emotions down. “I’m fine. Really—so about the job?”

Saylor doesn’t look completely convinced, but bless her heart a million times, she brings our conversation back to work. “Yes. Look, you’re perfect, and since no one else has bothered to apply since we first posted it six months ago, I say you get the job by default.”

“Uh, thanks?”

“You’re welcome. Besides, we really need a new guy to clean up poop.” There’s a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. I think I’m going to like working with Saylor.

“Wonderful,” I say wryly. “Can’t wait.”

Saylor beams at me. “When can you start?”

“Tomorrow?” I stand and move toward the office door.

“See you at nine!”

As I drive home, my mind is all over the place. I sit at a green light for a full minute before I realize I can go. Luckily, no one is behind me, but by the time I pull into my spot in the parking lot, I’m a sweaty mess.