Happily Never After Read Online Free PDF

resignation as blood flowed down one arm.
    Instinct told her what was about to happen. “Please don’t—”
    He lifted his pistol and fired. Pain exploded and she dropped to the cement. Her hands became coated in bright red where she clutched at her chest. Several guns boomed, and his body jerked before falling on top of her.
    The coppery tang of blood overwhelmed her as Otis’ weight pressed down on her. His glassy eyes stared at her in accusation. Panic seized her, and she clawed and bucked to get away from the dead body. An animal cry ripped from her throat as people rushed to her aid.
    A scream roared into the room before she could pull out of the dream. She grappled against the restraints holding her in place. Crap, it was the sheet wrapped around her. One hand pressed tight to her chest, the pain seemed so real.
    “Stop it.” She scolded herself and got out of bed. More sleep was out of the question. Reliving the nightmare occurred more and more often. Exercise always helped her relax, so she worked on her yoga mat. She spent the next hour calming down before calling the phone number she knew by heart.
    Her boss would be at work by seven so she couldn’t put it off any longer. She dialed his direct line, tapping her leg as she waited for him to answer. “Martin, it’s me.”
    “Kelsey? Is everything all right? You sound a little shaky.”
    “Yeah, well I’m feeling a little shaky. David—”
    “Offered you a job and you decided to accept it?”
    The amusement in her friend’s tone annoyed her. “He did, and I did but how did you know?”
    Martin laughed. “I’m clairvoyant, of course. How do you think I keep track of everyone here in the office?”
    “When did he call you?” she asked dryly.
    “My phone rang first thing this morning. I got my ass chewed out for not telling him you haven’t been working. I’m glad you came clean. So, are you calling to give me your resignation?”
    She sighed. “I know I shouldn’t have made you promise to keep quiet. Officially, I’m still on a medical leave of absence but we both know it could be awhile before I get my issues worked out. It’s not fair to you.”
    “I don’t give a crap about the job, Kelsey. Do you think this will help you?”
    Martin’s soft words filled her eyes with moisture. “I don’t know, but I think it will help being around my family. Do you think Shelley would mind going to my apartment and sending me a few things? I can hire someone to put the rest in storage.” A weight had lifted from her shoulders by the time she hung up.
    The tow service delivered her repaired car by eight, so she left to go meet with David. The air outside was brisk with a clean, fresh essence that caused an unexpected peace to settle inside her.
    Her decision to remain in Redding felt right. Amazed at how easy it was to find a place to park, she almost skipped into the building. She signed in and gave a little wave to the security guard. When the elevator stopped at the correct floor, she walked up to the reception desk.
    “Good morning, is David around?”
    Samantha grinned. “He told me you accepted his job offer. You’re going to love it here. Let me buzz him. Would you like some coffee or tea?”
    Before she could nod, David came down the hall with a big smile. “Kelsey, come on back, and I’ll show you around.” He used her elbow to steer her down the hallway.
    They stopped several times to introduce her to various people until reaching the office next to his. He crossed the threshold of the small room and swept his arm around in a grand gesture. “Just think, this can be all yours if the price is right. Let the brown nosing begin,” he added with a grin.
    She smiled. “I don’t know if I can do this but thank you for giving me a chance. I love you for believing in me, yet once again.”
    David gave her a one arm hug. “Kels, this may or may not be for you. But you’re strong, and you’re not alone. Go slow. We’re not real formal