Erik ("Red") Jackson pounded along the trail, struggling to keep pace with The General.
It was hard--with straining muscles, laboring lungs, and a racing heart--but easier than it had been a month ago, when he'd started working out and running with his boss. It was embarrassing... and challenging... that a man almost 30 years older than Red could run circles around him.
The General was a big imposing black man--6' 4" and 240 pounds of bulging muscles with rugged features and tightly-cropped black hair graying at the temples. His real name was Marc Cross and he was openly gay. He'd joined the Army right after graduating from college with degrees in Computer Science and Information systems. He'd retired after 20 years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to start Fort Cross Consulting, a software consulting firm.
Three weeks after Red had started work, The General had invited him to join his daily workouts. "It's tough getting in shape," he'd said. "Especially at first. Everything worth doing is tough."
"But, you'll be healthier, have more energy, and focus better." The General had moved in for the kill. "And you'll be even sexier. Your girlfriend will love that."
"Yes sir," Red had answered. That was his response to all The General's commands. They were frequently phrased as suggestions or requests, but they were unquestionably commands.
Red liked obeying The General's commands. He was inspiring, rather than domineering. Red wouldn't... couldn't... disappoint him by doing less than his best.
"Come on, Kid," The General said as they reached the last mile of the course. "Let's put on some speed." He grinned and started to pull away.
"Yes Sir!" Red barked, using most of his breath as he urged his aching legs forward, barely keeping up.
The endorphins kicked in, sending a wave of pleasure through Red's body. It was like an orgasm that just kept going... and going...
The General saw it and smiled approvingly. "That's right, Troop. Pour it on."
Hearing the word "Troop" felt even better than the runner's high. The General usually addressed Red as "Kid," but called him "Recruit" on the rare occasions when he'd done something exceptionally well. Glowing, he increased his speed, briefly passing The General.
"Yeah! Work that sexy ass!" The General slapped Red's butt playfully as he moved up beside him.
Startled by the sudden stinging pain, Red ran even faster. The General matched his pace, shouting "Go Kid, go! You're looking good!"
* * *
Red had gotten used to The General's teasing. It had started on his first day at Fort Cross Consulting. He was 18 and had just graduated from high school. This was his first full-time job.
Della Rhodes, The General's administrative assistant, was pregnant with her second child and had quit to be a full-time mother. She'd come in to go over his job responsibilities. There was a lot of detailed paperwork, but it was well organized.
Della had taken off, leaving Red alone with The General, who'd come in part way through the training session. They'd never met in person. He'd hired Red after a Zoom interview and his physical presence was overwhelming. Next to him, Red felt like a child.
"Well, it's just you and me, Kid." The General had relaxed his military bearing and sat on the edge of Red's desk. He was dressed informally, in black sneakers, dark slacks, and a sports shirt.
Red had remained standing ramrod straight, facing The General. "Yes sir."
The General's lips had twisted upward in a slight smile. "At ease, Kid." He raised his hand to his brow in an ironic three-fingered Boy Scout salute. "This isn't the Army. Just call me 'Marc.'"
"Yes sir..." Red had felt his face grow hot. "Uh... Marc."
The General had examined Red, taking in his young body under his Men's Warehouse suit and dress shoes. "We're not formal here. We have consultants and clients come by occasionally, but we're usually the only ones in the office."
"Uh... Yes sir... er, Marc." Red could only think of Marc Cross as "The General."
"Lose the suit." The General had crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked at Red expectantly.
"Uh, now... Marc?" He had a sudden vision of himself standing in front of The General in his dress shoes and underwear, exposed and vulnerable.
The General had been silent for a few seconds and then shook his head slowly. "Just the coat and tie... for now." His smile had broadened. "Wear something casual tomorrow. Something a little tight. You've got a nice body and you should show it off."
Red had smiled self-consciously and said, "Thank you." It had been a struggle to keep from adding "Sir."
"You're a good kid, Erik." The General had frowned briefly. "Erik is too formal. Do you have a nickname?"
"No sir."
The General had chuckled. "All right. I'm going to call you 'Red.'"
"Yes sir. Uh... Why sir?" Red was sure he was blushing again.
"It just suits you." The General had stood up. "And speaking of suits... "
"Yes sir." Red had removed his coat and tie and hung them in the office closet.
The General had nodded approvingly. "That's better." He'd started to turn away, but then looked back at Red. "Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Uh... Yes sir. Her name is Kenzie." They'd been dating for a year and she'd taken his virginity a couple of months ago.
"She's a lucky woman. She's got a real stud for a boyfriend." Without waiting for an answer, The General had gone into his private office and closed the door.
Red had looked at the closed door for a long minute, then shook his head, sat down at his new desk, and stared blankly at the computer monitor, overwhelmed by his first meeting with his new boss.
It had seemed like The General had been flirting with him, but that was silly. There was no way a big sexy gay man like him would be interested in an awkward 18-year-old straight boy...
* * *
The teasing had become more intimate after he'd started working out with The General.