MARRY ME G.A.HAUSER MARRY ME Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2013 Cover design by Mark Antonious Richfield Photograph by Dennis Dean Edited by Stacey Rhodes ISBN Trade paperback: 978-1482-7433-7-1 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: March 2013 ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: PLEASE READ- Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: “The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000." Dennis Dean Images Award-winning photographer Dennis Dean continues to make his mark as an internationally known photographer. He is credited for his creative abilities, strong composition, and dramatic lighting. Dennis specializes in state of the art digital photography for fitness, fashion, and fine art. Dennis published his first art book, "Within Reach" to rave reviews, which led to his work being showcased in a plethora of art publications, fitness magazines, calendars, greeting cards, as well as countless exhibitions, including two in London at the Adonis Art Gallery. He is the founder of Dennis Dean Images and creative director and photographer of Five Star Monkey's Ruff Riders and Live Free Be Strong brands. He is also the editorial photographer for Mark and Passport Magazines, having shot countless covers and fashion layouts. Dennis is proud to be partnering with Fort Lauderdale’s Royal Palms Resort & Spa showcasing his work in all the rooms, bar and grill, the spa and fitness center. Stop by the resort to see Dennis’ work, or make an appointment for a photo session at 954-240-8307. Be sure and check out www.DennisDean.com & www.RoyalPalms.com. Chapter 1 Wearing his costly Ralph Lauren suit and tie, Braxton Todd stood in his office overlooking the downtown Hollywood hills through the brown smoggy haze. The spring had brought rains and wind, but when the air grew still, the LA aura of brown, a tarnished halo for the city of night, appeared. His Bluetooth on his ear, Braxton paced, glancing at his computer screen as he spoke. “Don’t you worry, babe. I’ll have every A-List celeb there for the screening. You just get decked out in something fabulous. You’re going to be the next big Hollywood thing.” “Thank you so much, Braxton! Having you as my PR man has made so much of a difference. I really appreciate what you’ve done for me.” “My pleasure, Monique. It’s what I get paid for.” Braxton watched his second line lighting up. “Let me go, babe. You just text me or my assistant if you need anything before Saturday.” “I will.” “Bye.” He tapped his ear piece, “Braxton Todd.” “Hello, darling!” Judging by the thick Italian accent, Braxton knew this was Sophia Deluca. “Hi.” “Just making sure you don’t forget the charity auction this Saturday night.” “Shit.” He had. He rubbed his face and checked his calendar on his handheld device. “I even wrote it in. Okay. Uh…” He tried to figure out how to be in two places at once.” “Braxton…” was said admonishingly. “Chill, Sophia.” He tapped with his thumbs to add a reminder to his application on his phone. “What time does it start?” “Eight. We’re having the champagne dinner then the auction, darling. Of course you must be there! No excuse…eh?” “Then you really don’t need me until nine or ten.” “Don’t you disappoint me. You’re going to be one of the biggest fundraisers we show. I so much have been promoting you.” Braxton laughed sadly and stood, looking out the window of the tenth floor offices again. “I’m up for sale to the highest bidder. How appropriate.” “Of course! You will be a smash! We will have several highest bidders. I’ve news for you, darling, anyone who donates is going to win a date with you. Three times, dates. Three.” Braxton rubbed his face as the idea brought some trepidation. “They understand it’s just for dinner, right? I mean, I’m not whoring myself out.” “Braxton! It’s for cancer research! That is insulting.” “My luck I’ll get some stalker who will think I’ll become their…cough…”—he rolled his eyes—“boyfriend.” Involuntarily Braxton sneered. “Yes. Of course. They may become infatuated with you, you gorgeous thing, but they are only bidding on a date. No funny business.” “I only do ‘one dates’. I never see a person twice.” “Then perhaps you are a whore, yes?” She laughed as she spoke. “Yeah. I know. A picky one. Okay, Sophia, I’m swamped. Let me go.” “Nine latest! Do not let me down!” “No. I’ll be there. I will.” Braxton tried to add it to every calendar and device he owned to remind him. His assistant Brianna entered his office, waiting by the door as he spoke on the phone. Braxton held up his index finger to indicate one minute. “You cannot forget. I will call you all night so you remember.” “How did you rope me into this? Christ.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I no rope you. You volunteer.” “Oh.” He couldn’t remember what he had for lunch an hour ago so he never recalled offering to do this event. “Gotta go.” He disconnected the line and Brianna approached him with a handful of paperwork. “What’ve ya got?” he asked her, looking down at the forms. “The list of celebs who agreed to show up on the red carpet for the next four premieres, and a selection of caterers chomping at