For 19 year old Randy Davidson, the intern position at the printing company had begun as something to keep him busy until college resumed in the fall, but after the owner of the firm took a liking to the lad things changed.
Maybe it was because George Beck sensed that the young man had similar feelings toward him, despite the fact that at 64 he was more than three times Randy's age. The student's sexuality was obvious to the older man even though while Randy was very boyish in appearance he didn't broadcast it, and all that only made the senior more interested.
"The boy needs a mentor," George had told himself more than once, and while Randy might have admitted that he could use some guidance, the attraction of his boss had begun the minute he went on the interview for the job.
"He looks a lot like Grandpa," Randy had told his mother after getting the job, and the tall grey haired gentleman did resemble Randy's late grandfather in many ways, not only physically but in many of his mannerisms.
"Well then you should get along splendidly with Mr. Beck," Randy's overbearing mother had assured him. "I do know how much you loved my Dad and miss him."
"More than you'll ever know," Randy had said under his breath, and his mother had been right on all counts.
From the start he practically worshiped George Beck, and as they got friendlier over the summer Randy fantasied that maybe one day they would be more than friends, although it was not in the lad's nature to make the first move in anything.
Fortunately, on one slow Friday, George Beck made, while using an admittedly bad Brando impersonation, "An offer you couldn't refuse."
"You mean just shut down?" Randy said.
"Sure, it's dead here anyway," George explained as he put his arm around the lad's shoulders. "We could grab some food and drink, and take a hike up near Crane Mountain. That is of course, if you wouldn't mind spending the afternoon with the boss."
"Me? No. That would be awesome!" Randy gushed, and that was how the boy found himself hiking up the side of a hill over a path that seemed seldom used, to a destination that his employer said not only offered a spectacular view for a short climb, but was very secluded.
"Nice to get to chat with you without all the interruptions," George had noted. "After all, in a month you'll be gone."
"I know," Randy had replied, and while at the time he thought he was just getting a half day off from work and some exercise, in the back of his mind he wondered... maybe?
***
"You know it just occurred to me," George Beck said as they reached the overlook nestled halfway up the side of the mountain. "I got sandwiches and wine, but it just hit me that you're only 19. You act so mature that sometimes I forget."
"I have wine at home with Mom sometimes, and at college..."
"Oh, I remember college alright," George chuckled. "I just didn't want to corrupt you. Here we are."
"This is amazing!" Randy gushed as he looked out at the view which was every bit as wonderful as had been promised. "I hiked Sawyer Mountain with a friend and it was twice as long and the view was nothing like this."
"I thought you would enjoy it," George said as he spread the blanket out and put the bags of refreshments down. "The only thing you have to worry about is falling down the mountain, so stay away from the edge of this little hideaway."
"Will do," Randy replied as he looked over about eight feet in front of them.
"Cheers," George said as they clinked glasses before unwrapping lunch. "Just one thing. No shop talk, okay?"
***
"I come up here a lot," George said after they finished eating. "It's a good place to just sit and think, or just enjoy the view, although he's even better when you have a companion to share it with."
"It is great."
"You seem a little nervous Randy," George wondered aloud.
"No," Randy lied.
"That's good because this is a time to relax. Warm day too," George noted. "Maybe I should get a little color on the pale body. You mind if I take my shirt off?"
"No," Randy croaked while trying not to watch Mr. Beck unbuttoning his shirt, and it was even harder not to look after he took it off and reclined onto his back.
"Much better," George sighed and then added, "Feel free to lose yours too if you want. Heck, take everything off. There isn't a chance in the world of anybody finding us here."
"Uh," Randy mumbled, hesitating a minute before pulling his off, and he was grateful that Mr. Beck had his eyes closed with his head pointed upwards because he wasn't all that proud of his scrawny physique.
Mr. Beck wasn't a bodybuilder by any means, but while his upper torso was wiry it was also surprisingly muscular, especially for a man his age. There was a faded tattoo on his nicely muscled bicep that Randy had seen part of before at work, so worn that even from just a few feet away the lad couldn't make out what it was.
Randy had seen hair peeking up out of the collar of the shirt of his boss at work but now with his chest fully exposed the intern got to see the silver and black rug in all its glory. The hair wasn't thick enough to hide Mr. Beck's large plump nipples, which made his own little buttons pale in comparison.
Randy tried to resume looking at the scenery but it wasn't easy, especially after Mr. Beck sighed and put his hands behind his neck. The lad squirmed to rearrange himself as his underwear got a bit crowded, the sight of his mentor's bushy armpits making Randy's heart beat even faster.
