Page 31 of A Master's Destiny
“I tried!”
Anderson clinks his thermos against mine, a grateful smile on his face. “This sure does bring back memories.”
“It does,” I agree as I take a sip, enjoying the unique, smoky flavor of the smooth, high-end whiskey. I think back to the day we first met in our dorm room and Anderson shared his grandfather’s whiskey with me.
“We were just snot-nosed kids back then…” Anderson states before taking a long, appreciative sip.
I snort. “You realize it wasn’t that long ago.”
He looks at me with those intense green eyes. “You and I were different people back then, buddy. It feels like a lifetime ago.”
I nod slowly, realizing he’s right. Raising my thermos in a toast, I tell him, “Here’s to surviving and making it to the other side.”
“In one piece,” he adds before taking another sip.
I deeply admire the guy because I know how fucking hard Anderson had to work in college, getting a double major while working after school and trying to save his family’s ranch. It was especially hard for him when all he wanted out of college that first day was to party and find the right “shoe” for his large asset.
“Here’s to finding that elusive shoe,” I tell him, clunking my thermos against his.
“I’m totally okay with searching a bit longer, buddy. No need to rush.” He grins devilishly, downing another sip.
“So, what are your plans now, Anderson?”
“After Pop gets this business deal secured with the grocery chain, I’m heading to Denver to find a nine-to-five job and an old Victorian fixer-upper. As much as I love Morning Wood Ranch, I’d prefer having a steady income and weekends off.”
I look at him in surprise. “Do you have any experience renovating houses?”
He places his hand over his heart, chuckling. “Nope. But I’ve always had a soft spot for old houses, and I love a good challenge.”
I laugh, taking another drink. “More power to you, friend.”
“What about you, buddy?”
“I’m working hard to advance my career. Knowing the kind of business I want to build, I’m evaluating what works and what doesn’t work at this company.”
“Do your bosses know you plan to eventually leave?”
“My plan is to do such a superior job improving their labor and operational efficiency that I have multiple companies competing with offers.” I hold up my thermos again, grinning. “What better way to create a superior business of my own than to work for the best companies out there?”
“Genius,” he says, nodding in approval.
The whiskey is definitely having the desired effect. I feel relaxed and happy—a rare state for me.
“So, are you interested in any of the submissives you’ve met at the Center?” he asks as he lies back on his beach towel.
“Funny you should ask.” I chuckle with amusement. “I’m actually not allowed to fraternize with any of them until the course is complete.”
He frowns. “Why’s that?”
“They don’t want us to get distracted.”
“Sounds like Catholic school to m—” Anderson stops mid-sentence and sits up, his eyes glued on a woman in a tiny pink bikini walking past.
“I do miss seeing bikinis…” he mutters.
The woman looks similar to someone he and I met at this very beach. “Do you remember Rhythm?”
He nods. “I was just about to ask you the same thing, buddy.” Swiping his hair back, Anderson smiles. “Do you remember how much she liked chocolate sauce?”
