Failing Foward An Action! Series Book

By GA Hauser

As summer comes to a close, the men from LA battle for sanity. Between the unexpected arrival of Tadzio Andresen-Miller’s brother, Pontus, and the sudden death of Jack Larsen’s mother, chaos is once again the tone.

Mark Antonious Richfield is still juggling his life between his new son Isaac, and his second husband, Stan, as well as his ex husband, Steve Miller and their work together in Mark’s mega firm Richfield-Miller International. All while The Nation’s Top Male Model keeps an eye on his pregnant ex fiancée, Sharon Tice-Hill. Is that baby his? Mark’s losing what little is left of his sanity as he waits to find out.

Mark’s eldest son, Alexander Mark Richfield, is cast in another film with his best actor buddy, Jeremy Runner, which makes the superstar very happy.

And LAPD Lt Billy Sharpe has a run-in at the estate he’d sooner avoid.

Enjoy the men you’ve grown to know as family and friends as they flail, fall, and fumble their way across this thing we call...life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: GA Hauser
• Release date: Oct 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463495629

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.

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FAILING FORWARD

an Action! Series Book

By

G.A. HAUSER

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2020

FAILING FORWARD

Book 49 of the Action! Series

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2019

ISBN Trade paperback: 978-1692-8098-4-3

© The G.A. Hauser Collection LLC

This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events or locales is coincidental.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WARNING

This book contains material that maybe offensive to some: graphic language, homosexual relations, adult situations. Please store your books carefully where they cannot be accessed by underage readers.

First The G.A. Hauser Collection LLC publication:

October 2019

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Chapter 1

Jack Charles Larsen stood under a canopy in the miserable Florida heat. His husband, Adam Lewis, was holding his hand beside him. Jack listened to the droning voice of a priest as he gave a sermon over his mother’s coffin.

Shell-shocked from her sudden death, Jack was numb.

His free hand was clasped, his fingers interlaced with another’s.

Jack squeezed that hand and found comfort.

~

Tadzio Andresen-Miller tapped her toe on the carpet as she waited for her idiot brother. Finally the water in the shower stopped running and noise of rustling behind the closed door made her frustrated. She swung open the door.

Pontus was rubbing a white towel over his bushy beard and hair. He peered at her and sneered with contempt.

In Swedish she asked him, Why have you come?

Pontus stared directly at her chest. I can’t believe you have tits. What the hell is wrong with you? He threw the towel onto the floor and moved by her to the bedroom where he’d left his backpack.

Tadzio recently had top surgery in her transition to female. She had been taking hormones since she was in her early teens, and finally felt as if she could breathe and be who she really was. A woman. She watched her brother remove clothing from the backpack and dress in long pants and a long-sleeved top.

It’s going to be hot outside. How can you dress like that?

He appeared distracted and dug into the pocket pouch of the backpack, then he threw papers at her.

Tadzio picked them up, seeing, yes, this was how her brother found her in Paradise, California. Jack Larsen had sent forms to the Swedish government requesting a change to Tadzio’s gender on her passport and other official documents. So her hunch was correct. She unfolded the forms and placed them on her dresser.

Pontus sat heavily on her bed and stared at her. I can’t believe you live in a mansion.

Still communicating to him in Swedish, Tadzio folded her arms over her chest and leaned back on the dresser behind her. You can’t believe, you can’t believe… she said sarcastically, So? You see where I live. Now go home.

Pontus stood from the bed and approached her. He loomed over her, menacing.

Tadzio asked, Where did you get the money to come here? Hmm? Steal from Mom and Dad? Huh? Tap their store till?

If Dad saw you now with tits, he’d kill you.

She shook her head in frustration. Pontus? Just leave. Okay?

Sure. He held out his hand. Money.

Tadzio’s anger grew.

~

Steven Jay Miller finished his evening running route across the meadow. It was ten miles round trip and by the time he’d reached the mansion’s back door he was exhausted. He’d already put in a day’s work at Miller-Richfield International in Sacramento.

Steve stood on the patio and inspected a new pool slide Stan had installed for Stan and Mark’s son Isaac. Steve heard shouting coming through the glass slider and spotted his wife, Tadzio, arguing with her weird brother. Steve jogged to the sliding doors of his bedroom and tugged on the handle.

Tadzio approached it and unlocked it.

Steve entered the bedroom and slid the glass door closed, keeping the heat out. He spotted Pontus, who had obviously showered since Steve, Stan, and Blake had grabbed him from the woods where he may have been sleeping in the rough.

What’s going on? Steve asked, not liking the look or attitude of this strange man.

Tadzio pointed to Pontus. He say he wants money to leave, Steven.

Money? Steve, who was a former LAPD police officer, approached him. He was sweating from his run, and wearing just gym shorts.

Steve studied the blue-eyed redhead and assessed him quickly. Pontus was rakish, skinny, with angular facial features, and prominent freckles. His fingernails were dirty, and his shoes were worn. Do you speak English?

Little bit. He didn’t appear intimidated by Steve.

Tadzio threw up her hands. He can understand, Steven. He’s just a jerk.

Blake Hughes, a good friend and LA fireman who was on leave for a back injury and helping with Mark’s infant son, Isaac, poked his head into the room. Everything okay?

Tadzio made a noise of anger and glared at her brother.

Steve cooled off in the air-conditioned room. He pointed to the bathroom. I need to clean up for dinner. He entered the bathroom and noticed towels all over the floor and wiry curly hair in the sink.

Shutting the door and removing his clothes, Steve exhaled loudly and entered the shower stall, wishing he could get a goddamn break from all the drama.

~

Stan Charles Richfield carried his son Isaac to the kitchen for dinner. Isaac or ‘Zak’ Milton Richfield, was six months old and growing up so fast, Stan was amazed at his progress. As he walked down the grand mahogany staircase to the foyer, Stan heard loud talking. Not an argument, but, close.

Having Pontus here didn’t make Stan happy. With the baby in the house he was concerned about a stranger. Tadzio obviously did not like this man, her brother.

Stan entered the kitchen and their chef, Sierra, was busy preparing dinner. The scent of garlic and sautéed onion was appetizing. He scooted into the bench seating in the ‘nook’ and gazed outside the window at their new pool slide. Zak stood on his lap and patted the glass yelling, Maw! as he pointed to the pool.

His little man had a great time in the pool and the slide this afternoon and it appeared to make him happy.

Maybe after dinner, champ. Stan took the bib from Sierra and when the baby realized he was going to eat, he sat on Stan’s lap and slapped the table. Apppull!

Sierra chuckled at him and brought him a bowl and tiny spoon. Not apples today, Isaac. How about some pureed sole with sweet potato with a hint of maple syrup? She said to Stan, It’s loaded with protein.

Wonderful. Stan tasted it first. Mmm! That’s fantastic!

Zak swatted him in anger. Appull! He wanted his food.

Hey. Stan shook his head. That’s not nice. Daddy Mark doesn’t think that’s funny. So, let’s stop hitting people. Stan fed Zak his food.

Zak went nuts for it, stretching for another bite before he swallowed the first.

Stan had a feeling all of the exercise his baby boy was getting was making him very hungry. The kid was burning calories like crazy.

Blake joined him at the table with Joe Scarbino. The LAPD SWAT cop had slid on his motorcycle, a Ducati he had bought from Mark recently. The accident had broken his leg. So, the men decided he should stay at the estate, instead of alone in his house in Van Nuys.

Joe leaned his cane on the back of the bench seat and he and Blake slid in opposite Stan and the baby.

What’s the meal today? Blake asked Stan, gesturing to the bowl.

As Stan fed his son, he said, Sole and sweet potato.

Nice one, Sierra.

Thanks, Blake.

Joe turned to look at her preparations, possibly wondering what they were having for dinner.

Stan heard the shouting lessen and asked Blake, What’s going on with Pontus?

He’s trying to get money from Tadzio. Blake expressed his irritation. I think Steve needs to just boot him out.

Joe made a noise of disgust.

He’s a former cop. Stan pointed to Joe, You’re a cop. Can’t you guys get him out?

I’d do it for you, but… Joe indicated his leg. All the guy has to do is shove me, and I’m toast.

Just as they said it, Pontus and Tadzio entered the kitchen.

Stan wanted to shield his son from Pontus, since he simply didn’t know anything about him. He tried to turn his shoulder towards him as he fed Isaac.

Sierra said, We can serve in the smaller dining room, indicating there were too many to eat comfortably in the nook.

Stan gave Blake and Joe a look, expressing how unhappy he was with this intruder.

Blake, trying to be a diplomat, said, So, Pontus, how long do you plan on staying?

Joe sneered at the strange man.

Pontus said something in Swedish to Tadzio. Her voice rose as she replied.

Stan lost his focus on Zak and the baby slapped the table. Maw!

He snapped back into attention and fed Zak another spoonful of the food.

Tadzio replied to Blake’s question, He will leave soon.

Stan finished feeding Zak the food and Sierra brought him a bottle of formula. Stan took it and she removed the empty bowl. Where’s he sleeping? Stan didn’t smile. He did not want that man in this house. He shifted Zak on his lap and teased his lips with the rubber nipple. Zak latched on and drank contentedly.

As Tadzio and Pontus discussed the matter in Swedish, Stan stared outside beyond their pool to the paddock. Three of their horses were grazing in it. Mark’s white Arabian, Piccadilly’s Phantom, Jack’s black thoroughbred, Shadow of the Knight, and his brown Percheron-mix Bollward’s Tempest, or Bull.

Their groom Andrew Wilson was taking the horses into the stable for the night. And that gave Stan and idea.

Tadzio? Can he stay in the loft over the stable?

Yes. Tadzio nodded. I t’ink dat’s a good idea. Pontus? she continued in Swedish as she told him.

Steve entered the room after his shower and run, dressed in shorts and an old LAPD T-shirt. What’s going on?

Blake gave Steve an impatient look. Tadzio’s asking Pontus to stay in the loft in the stable. Then, Blake gestured discreetly to Isaac.

Come. I will show you. Tadzio tugged on Pontus’ shirt and they left through the back door.

Everyone exhaled loudly in relief.

Joe muttered, I wish I didn’t bust my leg. I’d throw him out for you.

Stan removed the rubber nipple from Zak’s lips after he finished and sat him up as Sierra handed him the burping cloth. Steve? I want him out of here.

I can’t believe he came here from Sweden to extort money from her. Steve leaned closer to the window to watch. What an asshole.

Unreal. Joe shook his head.

Stan rested Zak on his shoulder and rubbed his back gently. I don’t want him here, he repeated.

Steve patted Stan’s shoulder and sat with him, facing Joe and Blake. I understand. He then asked, Have you heard from Mark? When’s he coming back from London?

I don’t know. Stan held onto his son as he watched Tadzio enter the barn with Pontus.

~

Hollywood superstar, Alexander Mark Richfield reclined on his chaise lounge chair near his pool in his home in Bel Air, California with his LAPD lieutenant hubby, Billy Sharpe. As he read his lines, memorizing them for his new role in another feature film, The Hard Way, Alex petted his goofy puppy.

Lady was camped out on Billy’s belly, snoozing after swimming in their pool. Her white fur was damp and her long ears were soggy. Suddenly, the dog perked up and leapt off of Billy, yapping at the sliding door.

Billy took notice but didn’t do much else.

Alex stood and held his paperwork, opening the slider. Lady sprinted into the house and hopped onto the sofa, barking as she stared outside.

Next, Alex heard the mailman’s truck. He smiled at Lady since she was showing Alex how she was protecting them. Alex placed his script on the counter and picked Lady up, trying to quiet her.

The back sliding door opened and the big LAPD lieutenant stepped in. He smiled at them.

Lady went nuts, peddling and squeaking.

Alex set her down and she raced to the lieutenant and hopped up on him.

Billy scooped her up with one hand and held her to his chest.

Lady licked at his chin, her tail a whipping furry blur.

Alex laughed at his pup. She loves you.

She’s a good girl. Billy set Lady down and reached for Alex.

Since they’d been in the pool, Alex was wearing a bikini and Billy was in his swimsuit. Billy drew him into his arms to kiss.

There was a twenty year age gap between them, but they’d managed to stay together after a decade of turbulent marriage.

Billy nibbled on Alex’s neck and earlobe as he cupped his ass over his bathing suit.

Lady ran circles around their feet.

The big lieutenant picked Alex up into his arms. Alex locked his ankles around Billy’s hips. Billy carried him to their bedroom, teething on Alex’s skin, sending chills all over him.

He sat Alex on the bed, and glanced at his gun and badge, which he had left on the dresser. Lady raced to the living room and returned with her favorite toy, her sock monkey. She jumped on the bed and danced around Alex.

Billy undressed, staring at him.

Wowza, L-T. Alex loved it when his man was hot to trot. He yanked his bathing suit off and stretched towards the nightstand for lubrication.

Billy stood naked at the foot of the bed, jerking himself harder.

Alex salivated at his powerful cop; a barbed wire tattoo around his biceps with ‘Alex’ scrolled into it, complimented the tattoo Alex had on his pelvis of a lieutenant badge, with ‘Billy’ and ‘Forever’ on it. Alex nudged Lady to the headboard to get her out of the way, and spread his legs for his husband.

Billy burrowed between Alex’s thighs and roughed his balls up with his coarse beard growth, then he sucked Alex’s cock.

Chills washed up Alex’s spine as he watched.

Billy used lube on his fingers and went back to sucking Alex’s dick. He pushed slick fingers into Alex’s ass and drew hard suction.

Alex’s body went tense and he arched his back. Ah! Ah! Fuck! Billy! Alex went into a climax and threw back his head into the pillow.

Billy wiped his mouth with his forearm and bent Alex in two, then he aimed his slick cock at Alex’s rim and pushed in.

Alex gasped and held his knees tucked against his chest.

Billy hammered in, staring at Alex as he did. The handsome lieutenant went into a climax quickly.

Alex licked his lips as he watched the pleasure wash across Billy’s face.

Fuck… Billy stilled his hips and pulled out. He was sweating and his chest heaved.

Alex smiled at him, gazing into his blue eyes.

Billy hauled Alex off the bed and back into his arms.

Wow! Alex loved this new Billy! Having the lieutenant happy and calm made all the difference in the world.

Lady stood from the spot where she was chewing her sock monkey and sat down on the foot of the bed, holding up her paw.

Shower with me? Billy purred and brushed back Alex’s long brown hair to chew on his neck.

Oh, yes. Alex released himself to Billy’s dominant force.

Lady yipped.

You need a bath too? Billy asked her.

She danced around and sped