Page 27 of Mason: His to Convince

Rebecca stopped struggling and glanced around the room, finding a very interested group. Their faces clearly showed they were bewildered by the strange behavior of both their director and Santa.

Torn between reassuring them and getting free of Mason's hold she froze, plastering a weak smile on her face. Turning her gaze back to Mason’s, she elbowed him sharply in his padded ribs, disappointed he couldn't feel it.

“I don't care who’s watching”, she gritted out, still smiling. “If you don't let me go this minute I'll have someone call the police and you'll be arrested for impersonation.”

Mason laughed outright at that and the sound relaxed the features of many across the room.

“Arrested for impersonating Santa?” he inquired smiling down into her blazing green eyes.

“No, for impersonating a human being,” she told him struggling and almost succeeding in wiggling off his lap. “Now let go.”

Mason gave Rebecca's bottom a firm squeeze and shrugged.

“Somehow I knew you were going to be difficult,” he sighed, setting her on her feet, much to her satisfaction.

Her relief, however, was short lived. Before she could take a step he bent and slung her over his shoulder, keeping a firm grip on the backs of her kicking legs.

Rebecca's shrieks of indignation earned her a sharp slap on her squirming bottom, which he immediately patted softly as if in remorse. This inflamed Rebecca further and throwing discretion to the wind she began to pound his back and swear like a trooper. The faces of her shocked seniors registered in her upside-down world and she immediately clamped her mouth shut.

Ray and Ed stepped in front of Mason in indecision, knowing they couldn't stop him, but determined to make the effort despite the difference in their size and ages.

Pausing momentarily, Mason regarded the two men with admiration.

“It's all right my friends,” he told them firmly, reaching out to shake each hand. “I'm only planning to make an honest woman of her, if you know what I mean,” he winked.

Both men simultaneously cleared their throats, blushed in understanding and moved out of his way.

“Don't be alarmed folks. The lady and I have known each other for a very long time and I happen to be deeply in love with her. We're going to take a little trip together, during which time I intend to convince her that it's time she agreed to become my wife. Rebecca and I would both like to wish you a wonderful holiday season.”

Rebecca thought she'd been angry before but now that he'd just told the entire group he'd slept with her she was mortified. Raising her head she pushed her hair out of her face and cringed to see the faces of Troop Thirty-Seven staring in awe. Glancing around the room she observed the glow on the faces of severalof the ladies while the men showed admiration for Mason's determination. Searching with her eyes until she found Mary, Rebecca shouted across the room to her friend.

“Call the Police,” she called breathlessly as Mason hiked her up higher on his shoulder, knocking the wind out of her as he began striding to the door. “Tell them I've been kidnapped.”

Mary hurried after them as best she could, hands held up in helpless amazement. At Rebecca's words she turned to kitchen and the phone, spending the next half hour trying to convince the local officer that the director of Silver Shores had been kidnapped by Santa Claus.

Chapter Ten

The minute they were out the door Rebecca let loose. The string of curses that fell on Mason's head would have made his toughest crew blush but Mason continued on undaunted. He had too much to lose to stop now. It was all or nothing and he was determined to have it all, her love, devotion, a life-time commitment, the works. Rebecca had her chance to talk this out like two adults and she refused to cooperate, wouldn't return his phone calls and had been generally a stubborn brat. Now they'd do this his way, on his terms! If she had any complaints she could shout them to the world, if she thought it would do any good.

Full of guilt and remorse he had tried in every way he knew to apologize and she wouldn't listen. If he had to take drastic measures, so be it.

Mason opened the passenger side door of his pick up and bending over plopped Rebecca down on the seat. Instantly her foot came up to deliver a hard kick, but he was ready for her.

“Tsk, tsk, is that any way for an elf to act,” he teased, grabbing both ankles in one large hand and swinging her legs into the truck. “Tis the season to be jolly you know.”

“I'm not your elf and I'm about as fucking far from jolly as I can get,” she shrieked at him, making a dive for the other door only to find he still held her firmly by the legs. In total frustration Rebecca lay across the seat kicking and screaming, pounding her fists into the upholstery.

Mason, unconcerned, climbed in over her, wrapped a muscular arm around her waist and pulled her upright as he took the driver’s seat. He then reached across her squirming body for the seat belt. Holding the buckle up in front of her, his breath coming hard and fast despite his superb physical condition he looked straight into her flashing eyes.

“We can do this the hard way or the easy way. It's entirely up to you, but you need to know right now that you’re coming with me one way or another.”

Rebecca's chest heaved with exertion. Sheer fury made her raise her hand to strike him. His reflexes were, as always, ready and he caught her wrist and snapped her arm down, clicking the belt firmly in place.

“Be careful, I'm 'old-fashioned' remember. If you don’t behave I’ll pull you right over my knees and spank you like the naughty girl you are.”

“You've already slapped me,” she informed him huffily. “I owe you one”.

Mason started the truck and turned to her in genuine surprise. “I've never slapped you.”