Cover Me Bad

I’m a bad girl. Looks can be deceiving

Scarlet Townsend (Ruby)

It’s true. You should never judge a book by its cover.

Denver Lathrop (Denny)

Cover Me Bad

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons-living or dead-or places, events, or locales is purely accidental. The characters are reproductions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. This book contains content that is not suitable for readers 17 and under.

Cover design by Silverstone’s Gems

Please be aware that this book cannot be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without written permission from the author, Rose Silverstone, at rosesilverstoneauthor@gmail.com, or within the sharing guidelines at a legitimate library or bookseller. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

Copyright © 2017 Rose Silverstone

All rights reserved.

ISBN 1546843382

Designed by E. Jones

Printed in the United States of America

To my biggest supporter

My Gems—especially Marie, Kelly, Lourie, Heather, Jim, Karen, Crissy, Kristina, and Kiarra-Author—you are the most fantastic daily support system. You go above and beyond to make me aware that all of this is worth it.

I, Scarlet Townsend, didn't believe I could be any happier.

Life with Carver Wilson has been wonderful. On the night of my dinner to finally unite my two very separate lives, as mother to Ashton and Elise Lathrop and Carver's girlfriend, my past comes to literally kick my door in.

Denver Lathrop has known me all of my life. With that knowledge comes a truth. It's a truth that I have to face if I am going to ever have a future with anyone, especially ex-special forces, Carver Wilson. There is a part of me no one else, but Denver knows. His belief is why shouldn't he get the girl since he knows my life story inside and out.

The crazy thing is part of me has the exact same question but no answer. Damn son-of-a-bitch fireman coming in and disrupting my good ... average ... decent life. What am I supposed to do with all the crap he stirs up?

Second chances are not given to make things right. But are given to prove that we could be better even after we fall.

The Playlist

Seventeen by Alessia Cara

Battlefield by Lea Michelle

Candyman by Christina Aguilera

"Hotel Café – Everly by Bethany Joy Galeotti

My Favorite Hurricane by Nashville Cast: Connie Briton & Charles Esten

Say Love by JoJo

Tears Always Win by Alicia Keys

Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley

Hope by Emeli Sandé

Bleed by Evanescence

Let Me Sign by Robert Pattinson

Chainsaw by Nick Jonas

You Were Meant for Me by Lalah Hathaway

Run to You by Lea Michele

Who You Are by Jessie J

Take Me to Church by Hozier

(Bonus) "Feel This" by Bethany Joy Galeotti

Cast of Characters

  Scarlet Townsend – Librarian

  Denver Lathrop – Firefighter

  Carver Wilson –  Scarlet’s fiancé

  Camille Pinters – Scarlet’s Best Friend

  Tobias Stevens – Denver’s friend

  Nyoko Howard – Scarlet’s friend

  Chief Evan Everest – Chief of Athens Fire Department

  Savannah Lathrop – Denver’s sister

  Allie – Scarlet’s neighbor and friend

  Clinton Townsend – Scarlet’s brother

  Jules Townsend – Scarlet’s sister

Chapter One

Plans Averted

Scarlet

November

Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I give myself one final once over while appreciating the antiquity that stands before me. The French-style brass framing makes me smile. It had been one of the first things that I’d purchased when I moved to Dallas from Athens, Tennessee. I knew I would need a mirror and happened upon an antique store as I left the grocer that morning. It’s one of my most treasured pieces and tends to cause me to stop to admire it.

My babies still laugh at me whenever they catch me gazing at the thing from my bed.

"Mooommm, it’s just a mirror," my seven-year-old, Ashton, regularly reminds me every chance he gets.

Yeah Mommy, it’s just a mirrmer, his little sister, Elise, the four-year-old would echo in her own way.

I enjoy the fact that there are still words she is working on. It is one of the things that tells me she still needs me. The educator in me feels the necessity to teach my little ones as much as possible. The fact that I’m a librarian at their elementary school doesn’t mean that need is any less important. We practice that word every chance we get along with others that my speech pathologist brother, Clint—short of Clinton—tells me we should work on at random. I love him dearly. He makes sure that I don’t overdo my work with her.

Mommy, can w ... may we have cookies, pwease?

My little girl’s voice causes me to snap out of my momentary reverie. I take one more look at the 1930s wiggle dress that I chose for tonight’s gathering. The navy blue causes the turquoise of my eyes to pop. I think the red lips and slightly rouged cheeks help cause my bright eyes to somewhat sparkle. My jet-black hair is perfectly coifed with soft waves tumbling down just beyond my shoulders and framing my face.

You look fine, Scarlet. He’s already proposed to you. Even though, you haven’t given him an answer because he hasn’t met your children, I say to myself.

I feel a twinge of guilt about that little tidbit of wonderful. It’s not that I didn’t want Carver to meet my son and daughter. I mean who wouldn’t want their kids to meet an amazingly compassionate and loving guy that happens to be amazingly handsome, has a hefty salary, and even weightier bank account. The fact that he cuts a wonderful suit, treats me like a goddess, and spoils me rotten with gifts along with words of adoration should be more than enough of a reason to have to my kids gushing about him. I have to tell myself there could be a number of reasons why I have been reluctant to fully accept his proposal.

The truth of the matter is I really don’t know why Carver hasn’t met my children yet.

There is something that makes me hesitate. I’m not hesitating today because I think I’ve put it off long enough. The man asked me to marry him at a lovely Italian restaurant. The ambience was amazing. It included candlelight with lovey-dovey music and all of the other bells and whistles. It wasn’t the heartfelt outpouring of love that I’d dreamed of but it was beautiful to say the least.  It was with the man that I’d come to care a great deal for ... no love. I love him.

That’s the word that I should be using here. When a person says an almost yes to a man then they should love him. I love him.

Why do you sound like you’re trying to convince yourself to be willing to accept this man’s hand in marriage?

I ignore my inner tormentor and focus on other things. I have this perfect guy. Everything is going right for us. We don’t argue. We don’t compete. We talk, enjoy each other’s company, see plays, and go to the theater together. These are all of the things that I’ve ever wanted in a guy. I mean his proposal wasn’t this grandiose gesture, but it was all for me.

Scarlet, you are the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. You brighten my world and make it right. Being with you makes life worth living. Seeing your smile, hearing your laugh, feeling your body next to mine, holding you even if it’s to stave off tears is all I want to do for the rest of my days. Will you, Scarlet Townsend, promise to make me an even better man than I am today?

No, that wasn’t Carver’s proposal. It would’ve been ... perfect if he’d been the one to say those words. Alas, he wasn’t. Those were words spoken to me by another. He is someone who I should not be thinking about as I head to the kitchen to check on my dinner and my babies. The very children who are set to meet the man whose proposal was a little more straightforward than the one I seem to be measuring proposals by.

Scarlet, I think we’re great together. We’ve been enjoying one another’s company for a time now. The next step for us is onward and upward. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?

Yes, that was the actual proposal. My exact words elude me, but my response went something like, Yeah. Sure, I’ll ... let’s get married. Um, well, yes with a stipulation. We have to ask my kids.

Hence, the current dinner which smells as if it’s burning right now.

I am running through the door of my bedroom and slightly up the hall just as Ashton’s curly head pops out from around the corner that leads to the kitchen. The look in those soft blue eyes tells me everything I need to know. Those eyes say he’s done something that he knows he shouldn’t have.

I’m sorry, Mommy, I hear his little voice say and I rush around the corner to find that something on my counter is on fire.

My boy—the one I’m sure caused this—is protecting his sister by shielding her with his little body. I want to melt into a puddle upon seeing this but my first goal is to make sure that my kitchen doesn’t go up in flames. There is a dishtowel on the counter near a candle I hadn’t placed there.

I hear Ashton’s voice as I run to grab the extinguisher from under the sink.

We wanted to smell the pretty candles while we ate dinner, Mommy.

It’s okay, sweetheart. Mommy’s going to take care of it. Go in the living and stay there. I’ll be in to get you in two minutes.

I love the fact that I don’t have to tell my little guy to take his sister with him. He already has her hand and tells her with a slight tug to come with big brother. I see her nod in agreement and those dark curls of hers bounce as she moves to keep up with Ashton.

Belatedly, I note there is an alarm going off. It is the fire alarm; another thing I will tend to once I get the fire under control. Reaching under the sink, I find the extinguisher and pop the pin. I’m in the process of tamping down the flames when my door is suddenly falling inward.

Standing in the doorway, in partial gear is the one man that I don’t want to be part of this horrifying experience. Yet here he is, standing on my broken down door looking as devastatingly gorgeous as he always has.

Yeah, so what if that’s the case. You shouldn’t be looking at him as anything other than the man who just kicked in your door.

Even better is the fact that his reaction is perfect considering what his profession is. He is a—wait for it—firefighter. I couldn’t go and find me a Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne type to get me pregnant. Oh no, I had to find me a good, old fashioned Superman/Batman all rolled into one.

The City of Athens Fire Department lost a firefighter and the Austin Fire Department gained an incredible asset when he decided he couldn’t live so far away from his children. A less than three-hour drive separates him now from the little versions of himself that I call my babies. I clearly see how strong his genes are ...

And how tight his jeans fit him.

That thought did NOT just enter my mind or slip passed my lips.

I am not already embarrassed enough by the fact that I’m standing in my kitchen putting out a fire that our son apparently started. No, I had to go and further humiliate myself by adding that juicy morsel of greatness.

Lifting my gaze to meet his, I notice the tilt of his lips before he opens his big arms to our children. Both run into them as if they hadn’t just seen him the day before or like the scared little people they probably are. After a quick hug and kiss to their little heads, he hands them off to me and goes into assessment mode.

I’m taking it the candle is the culprit. Judging by the two fear-filled sets of eyes, these little Lathrops were curious and things got too big for them far too quickly. Perfect deduction. Considering the guilty parties are nodding their heads, admitting their guilt, I don’t need to speak. You’ve contained the main cause so the damage will be minimal. Let’s take them outside so they don’t inhale too much of this smoke.

I don’t say a word in response. I just nod my head then pick up my little girl and realize my baby boy is in his father’s arms again. When I turn, I notice their father is turning off the knobs on the stove. My mind hadn’t caught up enough yet to think about the dinner I’d been cooking.

Thank you, I tell him, speaking into the top of my baby girl’s head.

She’s crying in my arms while mumbling, I sorry, Mommy over and over again.

When we are clear of the smoke and out on the sidewalk, I look up at him. He smiles and leans over to speak into the ear away from our child’s curious one.

I could say that you were the cause of the fire with how hot you look in that dress. I’ve always enjoyed how delectable you are when you’re all dolled up.

I roll my eyes in an attempt to keep my reaction in check. Turning away from him, I fix my eyes on the building.

What brings you by, Denver? I thought you’d be back home. I actually expected it. Why are you here and in partial gear?

Nice sidestep.

The man grins, actually grins at me. I’m doing my best to contain all forms of reactions I’m having with this man so close to me especially since our children are with us. Denver opens his far too sexy mouth to respond but is cut off by our little girl whose eyes are the same piercing sapphire blue as her father’s. The hair is all me. Ashton is the one that has Denver’s curls and will quite possibly have his height. The boy is well above my hip and it freaks me out a bit.

I digress as my heart plummets at my daughter’s words.

Daddy here to meet Mommy’s friend. All the port tant people posed to be here.

Elise’s slightly tanned face—a result of her time spent at the park with her father and brother at the beginning of the week—turns up to give me a look that says she doesn’t understand why that needed to be explained to me.

Denver cuts off anything I may have been about to say by speaking over me when I begin to respond.

Well, that answers that part of the question. To answer the other part, I had to attend a convention here in Dallas. I believe I’ve mentioned the fact that the week before Thanksgiving I’d be in the area. I also mentioned I’d be around for the holiday. Since I’ll be here, both of our parents and all of our siblings decided it would be a great time for them to visit.

I almost drop my child I’m so taken aback by this news. I love my parents, always have and always will, but I am surprised they were able to keep this information a secret from me. They aren’t known for being able to hold on to surprises or notably interesting information. They couldn’t normally keep a secret if their lives depended on it. I am going to need some time to wrap my head around this. My news—my engagement to Carver—isn’t something I want to share with them just yet. It sounds asinine even to my own mind, but it’s the way I feel about the situation.

Denver’s psychiatrist mother, Penelope, would read all kinds of things into this and I know it.

Oh my God!

Cal—short for Callahan, who is Denver’s lawyer father—is going to come up with all kinds of arguments to torture me with if I even attempt to make a dent in the plans they may have for this little visit.

Add to the bunch my diner-owner mother and I may as well just lay myself prostrate on the altar if I dare think I can change anything they have in the works. Jaid Townsend is going to ream me a new asshole once she gets wind that I accepted a man’s proposal and she wasn’t my third phone call, at bare minimum.

With all of this going on, you may as well pack some things up for you and the kids. My house is available and it works out since the kids will be on break this week anyway. It’s going to take the building manager some time to clear things up and arrange to get the locks changed and the door fixed.

I completely ignore him.

FML! Yes. Fuck. My. LIFE!

Why does this man have to choose this very moment to offer up his home for the kids and me while the repair to my front door is completed?

Denver ... I begin but I am cut off by a disturbance.

The commotion is coming from the gathering crowd not far from where Denver and I are standing with the kids. I turn because the voice sounds familiar.

What the hell happened? Is everything okay? A firefighter is blocking my view of the person who is frantically speaking. Damn. Wha ... what’s going on? My fiancé lives in that building.

I find myself leaning to one side in an attempt to see beyond the massive man whose form completely blocks my line of sight, but it’s no use. I begin to move forward as I hear the firefighter starts to respond to the man.

What’s his or her name, Sir?

By the time he finishes asking his question, I can finally see who it is that was speaking. I instantly feel horrible for not immediately recognizing the voice.

Carver? Hi, uh ... honey. I can’t believe this happened. I physically take a step away from Denver who simply chuckles and turns to face the kids. I continue to talk as if Carver is close enough to hear me. It all happened so fast.

Carver turns to the guy and points in my direction. His voice is raised and changes to an octave I find I don’t care for.

See. There she is. That’s my fiancé.

I hear Denver speak. It sounds like he said, Yeah, that douche was special forces. Fucking bitch baby can’t even move one firefighter.

I am about to ask him what he is talking about when Carver reaches me.

Are you all right? You seem to be. I didn’t know what to expect when I drove up and couldn’t get through.

I’m fine. It was a mishap. You know how nervous I was about tonight, right?

Carver nods but his attention seems to be elsewhere. He is focused on the firefighter who wouldn’t allow him to get to me.

Everyone is fine.

Now, he focuses on me. His brow creases and he looks at me with a notable question in his face.

Who is everyone?

I hear Denver growl. A protective part of me wants to join him.

My children? You know the reasons you were coming here tonight?

Right. Right. Where are they?

In my truck, ready to go, Carver. They’re excited about tonight, Ruby. You ready?

I swear the man just said that on purpose. He knows how much I hate that damn name. Denver also knows that I haven’t agreed to anything tonight. I don’t want to be part of this. I haven’t even formerly introduced the two. I don’t see an introduction to come in the near future. My thoughts are interrupted as Carver begins to speak.

What is he talking about? Where are you going? I thought we had dinner plans?

Again, that intonation makes an appearance and I find myself having to roll my neck in order to keep myself from reacting.

We did have dinner plans, but they literally went up in smoke when my kitchen caught fire. I hadn’t agreed to the plans that have been made with the kids’ grandparents, but I know I won’t be able to back out of them. My door has been kicked down so I am without a home for a moment until that can be fixed. Denver has offered for us to stay with him for the time being.

I was supposed to have my son and daughter this weekend anyway and our entire family is in town so ...

Carver apparently doesn’t see the conclusion that Denver has come to or he doesn’t care because he makes his own offer.

It would probably be better for Scarlet to be in my home since I am not far from her current residence, Mr. Lathrop.

"Carver, I don’t know you from that manhole cover over there. My children will not be staying with a man who they nor I know directly. Being that she, Scarlet, is the mother of those children I am guessing she will be with them. The fact that our parents will be there as well kind of seals that deal. It’s your choice, Ms. Townsend. But the kids are already strapped into my truck, their grandparents can’t wait to see them. It’s been too long since the last time they were all able to spoil them and have a family meal or two together. Our mothers are already commandeering my kitchen."

I roll my eyes and shake my head because he knows there’s no way I am going to turn down his offer. I wouldn’t hear the end of it. My father wholeheartedly loves Denver and would love nothing more than for me to come to my senses and forgive the boy.

To this very day, my father still doesn’t know the truth of why Denver and I aren’t together. At least, he hasn’t garnered the information directly from me. I wouldn’t live down a missed opportunity for my dad to have both Denver and I at the same dinner table with our children and our extended family a few minutes later.

Carver, thank you for the offer but I am going to go with Denver. No offense but he is right. It will be better for the kids if they are at his place. I haven’t been away from my children longer than three days. I don’t feel right starting now.

Carver doesn’t like my response. It’s written all over his face. I understand because I wouldn’t be happy if the man I was to marry was going to live with his ex. Still, he accepts it and bids us a goodnight. I feel sad about his willingness to accept the situation. I should be fine with acceptance but part of me wonders why he was so willing to let the whole thing go.

Denver is sporting a winning grin when I look his way. I groan, roll my eyes, and climb into his truck. We ride in complete silence the entire ride to an apparent mystery house.

Denver pulls his monster truck into the driveway of a home I’ve never seen before. We are about forty minutes away from my apartment.

"What’s going on? Why are we stopping here? Denver, we do not have time to stop off anywhere.