Never Giving Up; an Action! Series Book 63

By GA Hauser

In episode 63 of the Action! Series we join the gang at the estate in Paradise, California for a celebration for Susan Miller’s 70th birthday. The Nation’s Top Male Model Mark Antonious Richfield hosts the affair, since his ex-husband, Steven Jay Miller, is preoccupied.
Even before Steve divorces his second spouse, a Swedish trans-woman, actress Tadzio Andresen, the former cop turned CEO invites his new boyfriend; jet pilot Toby Smith.
Mark’s preoccupation with his ex-husband’s infatuation clouds his judgment and limits his enjoyment of a houseful of friends.
Meanwhile, Tadzio hears some bad news from Sweden, and has to fly home. But, will she go alone? Or take someone along with her?

As Halloween approaches, the men begin to have horrifying nightmares...could it be from Milt’s ghost?
Come back to Paradise and enjoy the mansion while its filled with guests, laughter, and some sexy fun!

All of the Action! Series books can be read as stand-alone novels. So just dive right in! Or watch Capital Games the movie, the pilot episode, now on demand and on DVD!

• Language: English
• Publisher: GA Hauser
• Release date: Dec 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005291846

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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NEVER GIVING UP

an Action! Series Book

By

G.A.HAUSER

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2020

NEVER GIVING UP

Book 63 of the Action! Series

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2020

ISBN Trade paperback: 979-

© 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:

December 2020

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Chapter 1

Fairy lights waved in the breeze surrounding the outdoor crystal-clear pool. Solar blue lamps lit the pathway to the stable as fall began to cool the heat of the late October California evening.

Laughter rose up from the patio as guests sipped cocktails and nibbled appetizers being served by young men and women in black slacks and white cotton blouses.

White and silver helium balloons spun on their ribbon strings, roses and camellias floated in the outdoor pool with small lit candle luminaries.

It appeared to be a scene out of a romance novel.

The Nation’s Top Male Model, Mark Antonious Richfield tilted his head back with laughter as he held up a dirty martini. His thick mane of brown hair surrounded his handsome face, and his green eyes glittered in the warm glow. Dressed in black slacks and a silky black Christian Dior top, his gold chai charm visible on his throat, Mark mingled making sure everyone was happy.

Thirty-one guests of family and friends were invited to celebrate the seventieth birthday of Susan Miller, Steve’s mom.

Steven Jay Miller held a cocktail as he picked up a canapé from a passing tray.

Their chef, Sierra, was doing the cooking, but Mark had hired her six helpers to assist her and his manservant, Warren, serve.

Steve smiled at his mom, who was chatting with Mark’s second husband’s parents, Michael and Ali Bergman, here from New York City, to celebrate the happy occasion and to see their two grandsons, Isaac Milton, who was twenty-months old, and Jacob Bentley who was ten-months old. Mark and Stan’s surrogate for Isaac was also here; Becca McKenna. She was pregnant with Stan’s biological child this time, and expecting in December. Isaac was the product of Mark and Becca, and Jacob? He was Mark’s and his ex-fiancée’s, Sharon Tice’s offspring.

While Steve drank his cocktail and enjoyed the gathering, he spotted his soon to be ex-wife, Tadzio, wearing a lovely gown.

With her long flowing blonde hair and lithe figure, Steve would never suspect Tadzio was born a male. She sure didn’t look like a man tonight.

And, she had come with Alexander, Mark’s eldest son, and Alex’s husband, Lt Billy Sharpe.

Steve lost himself on her for a moment, and then tuned into the conversation. He had his new boyfriend with him tonight. His jet and chopper pilot, Toby Smith.

~

Stan Charles Richfield laughed with his mom and dad as they enjoyed his two boys. Isaac was dressed up in his little designer outfit; black pants and a pinstriped gray and white shirt. The nearly two-year-old boy was having the time of his life, racing around the glowing outdoor patio and being social.

His father, a New York State Attorney General, Michael Bergman, chased his grandson around playfully, picking him up to snuggle making Isaac, or ‘Zak’ squeal in delight.

More trays of appetizers were held aloft as Sierra filled them from the working kitchen of the thirteen-bedroom mansion.

Stan’s young twenty-something friends scrambled to grab some, nudging each other out of the way playfully.

Stan chuckled at their antics and then noticed Blake Hughes, a retired LA fireman who was their nanny, carrying Jacob over to him after he had changed his diaper. Stan offered to hold him.

Blake handed the blond baby boy to him and Jacob snuggled with him, also dressed up like his big brother, in designer clothes.

Jacob, however, wasn’t the social butterfly like his brother. He was shy and hid against Stan’s chest as Stan chatted with his mom and dad. Stan’s kid sister Leslie couldn’t come to the gathering, having flown to Morocco with her lawyer gal-pals.

Hiya, Jake! Ali, Stan’s attorney mom, was buzzed on the fine Napa wine as they socialized before dinner.

Say hi to Grandma Ali. Stan tried to coax Jake, but no. He hid his face. Little Jacob was the product of an illicit affair between the Top Model and his ex fiancée, Sharon Tice-Hill.

The two had sex at Steve Miller’s police sergeant father’s funeral mass in Pasadena. Mark had won custody of Jacob, and the little guy didn’t see his mom any longer.

Sharon lived in Los Angeles, and Mark had tired, and failed to keep her in Jake’s life.

Stan rocked baby Jacob gently and noticed his surrogate Becca McKenna sipping ice water. She wore a maternity dress and was with her girlfriend, Natalie Cushman.

Natalie, with her purple hair, piercings and tattoos, worked with Adam Lewis, a talent agent.

While his dad chased after Isaac and his mom spoke to Susan, Stan carried Jacob to his husband.

Mark, looking ridiculously handsome, as if he had just fallen off the pages of his cologne advertisements, was laughing with two crazy LAPD detectives; Homicide lieutenant Jeff Chandler, and his robbery detective husband, Mickey Stanton.

Everyone was dressed up. The cops wore trousers and button-down cotton shirts. No ties. With them were the two LA lifeguards, Josh Elliot and Tanner Cameron.

Jeff and Mickey lived in Malibu, and the two lifeguards lived in Hawthorne, near Los Angeles. Everyone was staying the weekend, which thrilled Stan. He put his arm around his gorgeous husband’s waist.

Mark smiled at him and took Jacob from him, bouncing and cuddling the shy little boy.

While Stan’s hands were free he made his way to his buddies and picked up more canapés from a passing tray. Mmm. He grabbed a few more asparagus wrapped in Parma ham, fresh sushi-grade tuna on rye crisps, and caviar topped sour cream puffed pastries. There were platters of huge jumbo crab legs and shrimp, ice cold, with homemade spicy dipping sauces.

Fred Chew had his mouth full as he held both a drink and a small plate. Lou McFadden, the standup comic, his frizzy hair wild in the wind, said, Skinny dip in the spa at midnight?

Oswald Black nudged his eyeglasses higher and listened in on the conversation. Antwon Jackson also stepped closer. All of them had their mouths full of the good food.

Are we? Antwon asked, I mean, Susan and Ali are here.

Stan laughed. Guys? Keep your bathing suits on.

Lou gave him a silly smirk. Sure, Stan. Until the prudes go to bed.

Stan smiled and then noticed Tadzio Andresen had come alone. With her and Steve’s pending divorce, Stan felt badly for her.

Just as he was going to see if she was okay, Alex and Billy, and their loony Saluki-mix dog, Lady, joined Tadzio.

Lady was in Billy’s arms at the moment, and the handsome fifty-year-old police lieutenant appeared content as he spoke to Jack and Adam, as well as Keith and Carl, two actor friends.

Stan brought his attention back to his buddies as they anticipated an amazing dinner.

~

Blond, gym-junkie attorney, Jack Charles Larsen sipped a martini while his talent agent husband, Adam Lewis drank red wine.

I have a new audition for you, Alex. Adam grabbed a canapé off a passing tray.

Good. Alex nodded as he chewed. He pulled Tadzio against him and snuggled with her.

Jack peered over at Steve who was with his new squeeze. Jack thought it was inappropriate for Steve to have invited Toby here. He and Tadzio hadn’t even signed their divorce papers yet.

But, Tadzio had moved out. She and Alex had driven Tadzio’s hatchback from Paradise to Bel Air, where Alex and Billy lived. Tadzio was living with them at the moment.

The fact that Steve had Toby as his date irritated Jack. But, the party was for Steve’s mom, so? It wasn’t up to him.

Jack finished his cocktail and wanted another. On his way to a bar, which was set up by the basketball court, he spotted Jeff and Mickey flirting with the Top Model.

Jeff held Mark in his arms and was teasing him, making Mark laugh.

Two actor friends of theirs had also made the trip north; Carl Bronson and Keith O’Leary. The married pair looked chic in their LA designer attire. Keith had shorn off his blond locks for a movie role, and Jack couldn’t get used to seeing him looking so macho. Keith was a handsome man, who had starred in two nighttime cable dramas. Recently he had wrapped a role as a serial killer in a feature film. Both he and his husband, Carl, had movie premieres coming this holiday season.

Jack was glad they had come. Since he and Adam had moved to Paradise from Malibu, he hadn’t seen much of them.

Hearing a squeal of joy, Jack looked down and there was Isaac, happily out of breath and laughing at him. Unck Jackie!

Jack set his empty cocktail glass aside and picked the adorable toddler up. Isaac looked just like Alex and Mark, the lucky devil, with his green eyes and long brown hair.

Hiya, Zak! Having fun?

I am having fun! Isaac arched his back and laughed. Are you having fun, Unck Jackie?

Jack spun him around and laughed. I’m having fun too!

~

Mark heard the unmistakable sound of his best friend from college laughing with his middle son. He peered over Jacob’s head at Jack. Seeing Jack playing with Isaac warmed Mark’s heart. But this little guy, the one in his arms, was Jack’s godson. Mark had a small ceremony in September and baby Jacob was baptized. Laura, Steve’s big sister, and Jack, were Jacob’s godparents.

Sure, Mark was Jewish, but what could it hurt? If you didn’t believe in any of it, it was just a drop of water on the baby’s head.

Jacob’s mom- Mark’s ex-fiancée- was Jack’s close friend. Sharon Tice-Hill, still kept in touch with the handsome blond attorney, so? It made sense to Mark. Even though Sharon’s husband didn’t like Jacob, Jacob had Jackie…and everyone else here at the party, to support him.

Mark checked on Jacob and he looked very tired. Okay, baby. Dinner and then bed, yes? He kissed Jacob’s cheek. Jacob sucked his finger and rested his head on Mark’s shoulder.

~

Adam Lewis was buzzed on wine. He’d had a really bad couple of months after a tell-all book was released describing his deceased agency partner’s couch-practices. He’d lost half of his stable of stars in a kneejerk reaction and the battle for parts had become so intense, he was struggling. But…with actors like Carl and Keith, Alex and Tadzio…he was hopefully going to be okay.

That didn’t mean he couldn’t imbibe and get wasted. So? He did. He drank the amazing red merlot and admired the patio decorations. Mark had done an outstanding job hosting this affair. Mark was the planner in the family, the doer, the architect, the…everything.

Steve? He was the macho former cop that liked booze and sports.

Adam stared at Steve as he laughed with Tanner and Josh…with Toby Smith.

Now their corporate jet and chopper pilot was dating the rich CEO. Adam had to admit, Toby was hot.

And as he thought about how hot, he noticed Mark’s gorgeous Hollywood smile as he became the perfect host.

Jacob was in Mark’s arms, appearing sleepy and overwhelmed while Isaac giggled and raced around the pool with Lady, Alex’s crazy white mutt.

Lady had a big red ribbon tied to her collar, and that made Adam laugh. I love that dog.

He spotted a server and held up his empty wine glass.

He was acknowledged. Adam gave him his empty glass to refill and joined Carl and Keith while they laughed with Steve’s brother-in-law, Barry Wolinski and his wife, Steve’s sister, Laura, and their thirteen-year-old daughter, Chloe.

~

Tadzio sipped her cosmopolitan trying not to stare at Steven. Seeing him already dating a handsome pilot made Tadzio feel as if she were indeed the loser.

She could have asked someone to come with her, but was afraid to. She was dating.

She sort of had a boyfriend.

Matt Nolf. Officer…Matt Nolf. Billy’s nephew.

She had assumed because the celebration was for Steve’s mom, that Steve wouldn’t have brought someone to the party. But, he had.

Tadzio kept close to Alex and Billy, because the sense of insecurity was potent.

Lady raced by her to Billy and put her paws on his knee. Billy, while chatting with Keith, Carl, Hunter and Blake, scooped the floppy dog up in one arm and didn’t miss a beat.

Isaac held onto Stan’s legs, maybe tuckered out from chasing the dog around the pool patio.

As Tadzio sipped her pink cocktail, she admired the illuminated patio, the string of fairy lights, the balloons, and the gorgeous home. Did she miss living here?

She frowned and finished her cocktail.

~

While Blake let Mark hold Jacob for a moment, he picked up an iced beer. There was a bucket of premium microbrews near the basketball court. The bartender opened the cap for him, offered to pour it into an iced mug, and gave him a paper napkin for the condensation. Blake took a long drink of it, tipping it up. He paused to take in the festivities.

The mansion looked gorgeous from where he stood; the pool was lit up, the strings of lights, the balloons and flowers…the guests all dressed up and enjoying themselves.

It was amazing.

He gazed at his husband, Hunter Rasmussen, as he caught up with their best friends, lifeguards Josh Elliot and Tanner Cameron. Jeff and Mickey were laughing with Mark, flirting with the Top Model. Keith and Carl looked stylish in their chic LA clothes and both men were happy to take a break from their busy schedules to join them.

Blake noticed Alexander holding onto Billy. The big mean ole lieutenant held Lady in one arm, like a purse, and drank beer with his free hand. Lady panted and hung limp, as if she had exhausted herself.

Then, Blake noticed Tadzio. Although she was standing with Billy, Alex, Keith, and Carl, she looked alone. Blake missed her. Missed Tadzio living with them. Missed her help with the boys.

The fact that Tadzio had come solo, without a date, surprised him. But, she was probably sleeping with Alex and Billy…so…

Blake approached his hubby and put his arm around his waist. Hunter kissed him and then Blake tuned into the discussion.

Josh said, Maybe this is my last year on the job.

Tanner didn’t look pleased.

Mickey asked, What will you do?

I don’t know. Josh drank a martini and his long shaggy hair blew in the mild breeze. Maybe I can continue the video-channel. I’ve already got one hundred subscribers.

Blake understood why Tanner looked concerned. That wasn’t a very good game plan. Josh had a handful of videos online of him acting silly. How anyone could make a living doing that was beyond him.

He glanced at Tadzio once more, noticed her pout, and then saw Steve laughing with his family while Toby Smith looked on and smiled.

~

Alex drank his cosmopolitan while Billy caught up with Keith and Carl. He peeked at Tadzio and she was staring into space. Alex drew her closer and kissed her cheek. He was angry Steve was already dating and had the nerve to invite him.

Tadzio had just moved out. He and Tadzio had driven her hatchback to Los Angeles together in August and she had unpacked her clothing and was staying in his and Billy’s guest bedroom.

Alex’s long hair blew around his face gently in the wind. He gazed out at the stable. The four horses were inside it at the moment. The sun had set and the lights made the patio glow warmly.

Warren, his dad’s manservant, exited from the kitchen’s back door, and said, Dinner is served.

Soft murmurs followed and guests began to enter the gorgeous home.

Alex’s grandfather, Milt Richfield, had built this home for himself, his wife, Leslie, and their only child…Mark.

Milt had also created a garment manufacturing firm which his dad and Steve were now running. Richfield-Miller International had offices in Sacramento, where his dad, Steve, and Jackie worked, and in London, New York, and Paris.

Alex set his empty cocktail glass on a tray and held Tadzio’s hand. They walked with the large group to the doorway. Alex spotted Steve and Toby entering the mansion through Steve’s private bedroom patio door.

Alex squeezed Tadzio’s fingers tightly and frowned.

Billy walked with them, and said, We need to feed Lady.

I know. Alex held back the kitchen’s door for Billy. He set Lady on her feet and opened the fridge to retrieve her dog food.

Alex waited for him as servers hustled around the large working kitchen and the guests made their way to the formal dining room.

~

In the dimness of his bedroom, Steve drew Toby into his arms. The evening was perfect. His ex-husband had planned a beautiful gala affair. Steve kissed Toby, excited to have him spend the night. His family hadn’t commented on Steve’s new love interest. No doubt his mom was unhappy he was swinging back to men after being married to Tadzio, who was a transgender-woman. But, he adored this guy. His jet and chopper pilot. Grrr.

Toby ended the kiss shyly. Should we be in here when everyone’s seating for dinner?

I just wanted a kiss. Steve caressed Toby’s cheek and gazed into his blue eyes. Damn you’re cute.

Toby laughed softly.

Okay. Let’s go. He held Toby’s hand and left his bedroom. He peeked at his big cozy bed, not having to see Tadzio’s ugly pink stuffed cat any longer, and walking across the hall to the formal dining room. A table set for thirty guests glimmered under silver and white balloons and soft lighting. Steve allowed Toby into the room first.

Three crystal chandeliers hung over the massive rosewood table. A matching china hutch was across from the arched doorway. Abstract art in muted colors adorned the two facing walls.

Billy Sharpe was going to be seated at the head, and Steve’s brother-in-law, Barry was seated at the foot.

He waited as Blake and Stan helped Mark sit the two boys into highchairs. Isaac was adjacent to Billy, and next to Jacob, then came Mark and Stan.

Across from those two were Alex’s empty chair and…Tadzio, who was seated.

Steve usually sat next to Tadzio, across from his ex-husband, but he didn’t