Knowing Better- Book 17 Action! Series

By GA Hauser

In Book 17, ‘Knowing Better’, Mark Antonious Richfield has a birthday coming up. And growing older is something Mark wishes was a choice, not mandatory. As his stress over the increasingly racy ads for the car company begin to have an impact on Mark, Mark learns some terrible news. Someone very close to him has died.
As Mark’s life once again becomes a pressure-cooker of doubt and confusion, Alexander, Mark’s son, is asked to audition for yet another big blockbuster film, with a close friend, Carl Bronson.
Watching Alexander blossom into a superstar, Mark is both thrilled, yet slightly overwhelmed, since Alex seems to have it all, and that includes a powerful LAPD Captain husband, Billy Sharpe.
Knowing better, Mark tries to do the right thing, but as his patience is once again put to the test, and his husband, Steve Miller, is at a loss on how to keep Mark from self-destruction, life for the Action! men once again begins to grow complicated.
Knowing Better.
Knowing better and doing the right thing, sadly, are not always the same path.

• Language: English
• Publisher: GA Hauser
• Release date: Nov 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310249891

GA Hauser

About the AuthorAuthor G.A. Hauser is from Fair Lawn, New Jersey, USA. She attended university at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, and has a BA in Fine Art from William Paterson College in Wayne NJ where she graduated Cum Laude. As well as degrees in art, G.A. is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). In 1994 G.A. graduated the Washington State Police academy as a Peace Officer for the Seattle Police Department in Washington where she worked on the patrol division. She was awarded Officer of the Month in February 2000 for her work with recovering stolen vehicles and fingerprint matches to auto-theft and bank robbery suspects. After working for the Seattle Police, G.A. moved to Hertfordshire, England where she began to write full length gay romance novels. Now a full-time writer, G.A. has penned over 200 novels and short stories. Breaking into independent film, G. A. was the executive producer for her first feature film, CAPITAL GAMES which included TV star Shane Keough in its cast. CAPITAL GAMES had its Film Festival Premiere at Philly's Qfest, and its television premiere on OutTV. G.A. is the director and executive producer for her second film NAKED DRAGON, which is an interracial gay police/FBI drama filmed in Los Angeles with the outstanding cinematographer, Pete Borosh. (also the Cinematographer for Capital Games)The cover photographs of G.A.'s novels have been selected from talented and prolific photographers such as Dennis Dean, Dan Skinner, Michael Stokes, Tuta Veloso, Hans Withoos, and CJC Photography, as well as graphic comic artist, Arlen Schumer. Her cover designs have featured actors Chris Salvatore, Jeffery Patrick Olson, Tom Wolfe, and models Brian James Bradley, Bryan Feiss, Jimmy Thomas, Andre Flagger, among many others.Her advertisements have been printed in Attitude Magazine, LA Frontier, and Gay Times.G. A. has won awards from All Romance eBooks for Best Author 2009, Best Novel 2008, Mile High, Best Author 2008, Best Novel 2007, Secrets and Misdemeanors, and Best Author 2007.G.A. was the guest speaker at the SLA conference in San Diego, in 2013, where she discussed women writing gay erotica and has attended numerous writers’ conventions across the country.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Mark Antonious Richfield sat in his office at the advertising firm of Parsons and Company. His fingers hovering over the keyboard of his computer, Mark lost his train of thought as he typed up a proposal for a new ad campaign.

It was November. A month he dreaded every year. On the seventeenth of this month he was going to turn forty-four.

He stared at the words on the computer screen and at the moment, he wasn’t even reading or seeing them.

Sitting back in his leather swivel chair, Mark ran his hand through his shoulder length hair and exhaled tiredly. Having chronic insomnia was murder. He couldn’t recall the last time he had a night’s rest without pills. And even with the meds he didn’t feel refreshed or awake in the morning.

Mark looked at his coffee mug, one with the company logo on it, and picked it up, taking it to the break room for a refill.

As he made his way down the corridor of cloth dividers and office doors, Mark met some co-workers’ smiles; Charlie, Kevin, those silly Rothschild twins, Danny and Donny, and then entered the employee lounge.

Steve, his husband, was there, filling his mug. Mark walked beside him and leaned on him. Is today eternally long, or what?

Steve smiled. Long. Steve set his mug aside and filled Mark’s for him. At least it’s Friday.

Mark rested his chin on Steve’s shoulder as Steve placed Mark’s mug beside his own at the counter. Then, Steve took Mark into his arms and held him. What do you want to do this weekend?

Mark stared at the window, which had a view of the LA downtown skyline. I’ve got a modeling shoot for the cologne Sunday.

Okay. Steve rocked him gently.

And, well, Mark said softly, Jackie doesn’t want to spend the night any longer.

You still have me.

Mark met Steve’s bright blue eyes. Steve smiled affectionately. Have I grown dull, Steven?

Never.

I feel old. Do I look old?

You look incredible. Steve kissed Mark.

Wow!

Both Mark and Steve turned to the doorway of the break room. Donny was standing with his coffee cup in his hand, having spied their kiss.

Mark parted from his embrace with Steve, picked up his coffee, and sipped it.

Steve touched Mark’s arm as he returned to his office. Hang in there. Only two hours left. I’ll try to think of something for us to do tomorrow.

All right. Mark watched Steve leave the room and stared at Donny who approached, picking up the coffee pot. Mark looked at him as he filled his mug and wondered if Donny was happy. He always appeared to have a good attitude and his brother as well.

Is it odd being part of a set of identical twins? Mark asked.

Nope. Donny faced him, holding his coffee cup.

Are you best friends?

Usually. But we still have our differences. Why?

Being an only child, I often wonder what it would have been like to have a sibling.

It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I’ve heard horror stories about families. Maybe when you’re a kid it’s fun, but when you get older, shit happens to fuck up relationships.

Mark thought about it. In all aspects of life, not only families.

Donny sipped the coffee and looked concerned. Are you okay?

Hmm? Mark blew on the hot coffee. Yes. Fine. Mark shot him his fake model smile and left the break room, walking back to his office. He could see Steve working at his desk and kept going. After he put the coffee mug down, Mark sat once more and tried to focus on his work.

But, he couldn’t. He checked his watch and began growing annoyed. The week had been long, he was back to starving himself for the upcoming shoot, and if he had to face one more year of growing older, he’d sooner die.

Mark stood, closed his office door and returned to his desk. He took out his mobile phone and scanned it for missed voicemail or text messages. He’d missed one. ‘how are you?’

Mark typed, ‘I’m going out of my mind.’

‘why?’

Mark looked up at the glass wall of his office and then continued texting. ‘because I am old and worn out.’

‘you’re gorgeous and vital.’

Smiling, Mark remembered something Angel Loveday had said when Mark stopped by to visit the former soft porn star at his bookstore in Redondo Beach. Angel said of his ex-lover, Captain Billy Sharpe, that Billy may claim he doesn’t want to be placed on a pedestal, but he does.

Billy Sharpe; forty-six, the epitome of masculinity and power, and married to Mark’s twenty-six year old son, Alexander.

Mark texted, ‘silly tart,’ smiling.

‘are you still at work?’

‘yes. are you?’

‘yes.’

Mark stared at their communication. Was it cheating? Mark didn’t think so. Billy fucking him was cheating. Why do we always want what we can’t have?

‘did you drive to work with steve?’

‘of course.’ Mark thought about the text comment. ‘is Alexander working late tonight?’

‘Don’t know. why? wanna meet?’

Mark immediately put the phone face down on his desk and looked at his computer. Oh, God. Mark ran his fingers through his hair and jumped out of his skin when someone knocked at his office door. Harold Parsons poked his head in. You have a second?

Yes. Of course. Mark stood and ran his hand over his necktie to straighten it out.

Monday morning we have a meeting with the car company. They want to review our new campaign, but, they asked about Alex.

Mark’s demeanor changed to rage. Drew Persley, the CEO whose advertising contract Harold had sought for years, had pressured Mark into modeling in exchange for Parsons and Company getting his car advertising business. Mark didn’t like the man, and thought he was a letch.

The phone on Mark’s desk buzzed with a text.

Harold appeared to be waiting for an answer.

Mark ran his hand over his hair. "Harold, I doubt Alexander can do it. He’s already modeling with me for the cologne, and working as the leading star in Being Screwed, and… Mark tried not to raise his voice, since his debut in George Ford’s Bedtime Stories, he’s being sought after for more roles in feature films."

Harold, a silver-haired, sweet older man, looked thoughtful.

Mark approached him. Harold, we need to separate our work with the car company from me being tied to my contract. I haven’t spoken to you about this… Mark could see the concern in Harold’s expression. But, the ads I do for Mr Persley, well, they are quite crass at times. I don’t speak of it much to anyone, but to be honest, Harold, I don’t want my son anywhere near that man.

Harold’s expression changed to surprise.

Mark’s phone hummed again from a text. Mark tried not to grow annoyed since he was frustrated at the moment.

I had no idea, Mark. Is Drew making lewd comments to you?

Mark met this kind man’s gaze. Confidentially?

Of course.

Yes. Yes, he is, Harold. He’s a very rude man.

I had no idea. I’m so sorry, Mark.

Well, Mark said, running his hand over his hair, There you have it. I didn’t want to say anything to you since I know he pays our company quite a large sum of money.

Harold folded his arms over his business suit. Does Steve know?

Yes. Mark heard his phone hum again and grew anxious that the captain was sending him so many messages. I don’t know what to do, Harold, but I do know one thing. I don’t want my Alexander involved with that company.

I understand.

Thank you, Harold.

Then, you and Steve need to come up with a strategy for them for the Monday meeting. Something fresh and new. We don’t want to lose them.

Yes. Mark hated Drew Persley and wish he would take his business elsewhere, but that was selfish.

All right. Well, I’ll leave you to it. Harold left.

Mark closed the office door and picked up his phone. The text messages weren’t from Billy. They were from his son.

~

Alex stood with his phone in the studio of his nighttime television vampire drama Being Screwed. Since the holidays were coming, the show was taking a two month break, and he had just been asked to audition for another major motion picture’s leading role. When his phone rang, Alex could see it was his father. He answered and said, Do you believe it?

I’m so thrilled for you.

Dad! Adam got me this audition but he said, that they asked for me! They asked me!

I’m so proud of you, lovely. Do you know what the role is about?

No. I have to read the audition sides. I’m still at the TV studio but I’m so happy I had to tell you.

Alexander, you are wonderful. I have no doubt if they are asking Adam to send you, that they already envision you for the role.

Do you think so? Huh? Dad! Alex pumped his fist into the air. A second movie role! Holy shit!

Did you call Billy?

I did. He’s really happy for me. Alex looked around the area and could see the grips working on the lighting for the next scene.

You do remember our modeling shoot for Sunday, right?

Alex didn’t. He put his left hand on his hip. Shit.

"Alexander. You have a contract with Dangereux."

How long do you think the shoot will take? I want to work on memorizing the lines for the audition.

When is the audition?

Adam scheduled me for Monday morning. Shit.

Lovely, you can’t be a no-show for the photo shoot.

Alex’s good mood deflated. "Ya know, Dad, when I first thought Being Screwed may be cancelled, I felt as if I needed a fallback career. But now? I think I don’t need it."

Alexander. You must honor your contract.

Fuck. Can I ask Jack to try to get me out of it?

Speak to Arnold Newhouse first, will you? I can’t deal with it at the moment.

Why? What’s going on?

Nothing. You just be ready when I come to pick you up on Sunday morning.

Okay.

Goodbye.

Alex disconnected the call and sighed loudly. He looked at his phone again and checked his emails. Adam Lewis, his agent and one of his father’s best friends, sent Alex an attachment. The lines to memorize for the film audition.

Alex sent Adam a message back. ‘thanks, Adam.’

‘Break a leg, cutie.’

Alex opened the attachment up and could see several scenes highlighted. He felt anxious and put his phone into his pocket. He looked for Charlotte Deavers, his director, to see if he could get out early. Though he was excited about another movie role, with his TV show and the modeling, it was becoming too much for him to handle.

~

Captain Billy Sharpe left the confinement of his office. He rose up in the ranks and now was working off the front lines. Not his choice. Now that Billy was married, Alex needed more from him than what he was getting. Billy’s previous work as a lieutenant for the LAPD SWAT team had been mostly nights and weekends. Alex wanted Billy with him. And of course, it made sense.

But, Billy missed the streets. He was probably one of the few captains who drove around LA in a marked patrol car. Billy assumed he could handle the promotion and becoming part of the administration, but he hated it.

Where was the adrenaline dump? The high?

And then there was Alexander.

When Billy met Alex, Billy was living with Angel Loveday, a man a few years older than he was. Alex was dating Angel’s son, Oliver. Oliver and Alex met at UCLA’s drama school.

Inevitably, Billy and Angel’s relationship had become stale after seven years, and they both began to cheat behind each other’s backs.

At the time, Billy was drawn to Alex for his vulnerability. Young Alexander used to weep in Billy’s arms at night when no one was around in the cottage Angel owned by the sea.

Alex had always been drawn to older men, and Alex’s seduction to get Billy to have an affair was irresistible at the time. So, the two of them did the dirty, behind Oliver and Angel’s back, and of course, Billy knew Mark and Steve would be upset he was making love to their son.

Billy drove around West Hollywood, looking at the young men walking hand in hand. He crept slowly down Santa Monica Boulevard, enjoying the eye candy, and also making sure no one harmed the men in this part of town.

As Billy cruised the area, he thought about the last text from Alex. Now Alex was going to most likely star in another blockbuster feature film. The young, insecure, twenty-two year old he had fallen for had become a confident twenty-six year old superstar.

History was repeating itself in a very ugly way.

When Billy first met Angel, he was working as a detective in the Santa Monica Police Department. A report of a stalking came across his desk. And when he recognized Gabriel ‘Angel’ Loveday as the victim, he jumped on it. Angel was one of his wet dreams when he was single and Billy had seen every one of Angel’s porn films.

At the time, Angel was being victimized, helpless, and Billy became the hero, shooting Angel’s stalker.

As that incident faded and Angel became just another ordinary man, a bookstore owner, and led a quiet life, Billy grew bored.

The thrill was gone. Angel no longer looked to Billy for his strength, his ability to protect.

It was the same with Alex. Those nights Billy had held Alex in his arms, wiped the sweet tears from his cheeks and reassured Alex he would be fine, vanished.

Billy loved Alex. He would never leave him. Their sex was amazing, and Alex had become a devoted husband and Billy was very proud of Alex’s accomplishments.

But.

Billy was no longer Alex’s hero. No longer begged him to help, cried in his arms.

Billy kept driving, listening to the dispatcher’s voice over the radio as he did. Nothing urgent was going on. It was November and early on a Friday. Billy’s shift ended at five.

Where do I want to go from here?

He was listless. Was this the end of the line? Retire as a captain? Sit on his ass at a desk for the next sixteen years?

When he began to yearn to be someone’s hero, someone’s powerhouse, his thoughts drifted to Mark.

Although Mark was forty-three, he still had a vulnerability that drove Billy wild. Mark may have nearly twenty years over his son of life experience, but Mark was -to put it bluntly- an insecure mess.

The two of them had sex after Mark joined Billy to watch a SWAT team exercise. It was an act that sent everyone reeling out of control. Mark immediately felt as if he had betrayed the men he loved, especially his son, and husband, Steve. So Mark, being prone to depression and suicide, did just that. He rode his white stallion into the night, swallowed a vial of pills and tried to die.

After learning Billy had sex with Mark, Alex went crazy, fucking both Jack and Steve in retaliation, and the entire universe exploded.

Yet, here he was, going out of his mind, wanting to nail Mark again, and knowing better.

If anything, having a secret affair with the Nation’s Top Male Model, was going to probably put Mark into the grave.

It was obvious Mark Antonius would not betray his husband or son again.

Was that why Billy was becoming obsessed?

He drove to Parsons and Company. Why? He knew why.

Billy cruised through their multilevel car parking area. There it was. Mark’s dark blue/purple TVR Tuscan. A car so rare, it was never seen in the US. Billy slowed down as he drove by it. Mark had driven to work with Steve. So even leaving a note on the car would be risky.

Billy licked his lips at that car, a vehicle as sexy as its owner. He kept driving, leaving the private parking lot, and pulled his patrol car over. Relaxing in the driver’s seat, looking at the traffic slow down as they spotted his black and white shiny new police car, Billy rubbed his face and yawned.

He had to stay away from Mark.

Had to.

Chapter 2

Mark took his keys out of his pocket as he and Steve walked to the parking lot from the elevator. He opened the driver’s door and placed his suit jacket and valise behind the seat as Steve did the same on the passenger’s side.

Mark sat behind the wheel and started the car. Once Steve was beside him, Mark put his sunglasses on and backed out of his reserved spot. I think we should have gotten the whole team together to brainstorm over a new ad campaign for Drew.

I tried. Everyone is busy. So we either have to come up with it ourselves this weekend, or see if our coworkers want to come in before the meeting with Drew, Monday morning.

Bollocks. Mark ran his hand through his hair. He stopped at a traffic light and noticed a police car parked in a red tow-away zone.

Are you up for a run? It’s cool out. Steve put his hand on Mark’s thigh.

Mark put the car in gear and drove through the green light, looking at the patrol car. When he spotted Billy staring directly at him, Mark panicked and hoped Steve didn’t see him. He hit the gas and swerved around a slow moving car, as Steve gripped the dashboard and braced himself.

Whoa. Steve looked at him. What the fuck?

I’m sorry. What did you ask me? Mark looked into his rearview mirror and when he glanced at the road, he jammed on his brakes as the cars had stopped in front of him.

Steve held tight to the TVR’s interior and gave Mark a look of exasperation. Did you take a valium?

No! Mark glared at him.

Pay attention to the road!

‘Bloody hell, Steven. Maybe you should drive yourself into work. Mark glanced at him. Steve was staring at him as he drove. What?" Mark asked, moving with the slow evening rush hour traffic.

I asked if you wanted to run. Steve slid his hand towards Mark’s inseam.

Oh. Mark gave a paranoid glance to his side mirror and then focused on the road.

Is that a yes?

Um. Mark was distracted and couldn’t think.

Steve stopped touching Mark and leaned on the door handle, staring at the traffic.

A run? Mark tried to get his brain to work.

Just drive, Richfield.

No. Yes. No. Mark began to get a tightness of anxiety in his chest.

Look, Steve said, I know this shit with Drew is pissing you off. I get it. And you have a modeling shoot Sunday. Believe me. I’ve lived with you long enough to know how hard weekends like this are.

Not half. Mark shook his head at the absurdity.

Just take it one step at a time. You’re perfect for the photo shoot. I know you just saw Dr Love, so your skin is flawless.

Mark felt his cheeks heat up since no matter how he hid it, Steve was always aware when he received his Botox shots, which he felt he had to do for the modeling.

And I know you’re starving yourself, since all you had all day is coffee and one cup of non-fat yoghurt.

Steven. Mark began to get angry at him.

And… Steve continued, I also know you don’t want Alex to model for Drew. He can’t. With this new audition, he’s going to be too busy for everything, including modeling. Steve paused and asked, Did he say he doesn’t want to do the shoot with you this Sunday? Is that why you’re freaking out?

Seeing it as a plausible excuse, Mark nodded. Yes. He said he wants to quit. I told him he has to review his contract.

"Ahh, okay. At least I know what’s bugging you. Do you want me to talk