Chapter 9 #2
Rebecca slipped into the ladies room and unfastened the clip in her hair.
Golden curls tumbled free and she massaged her scalp for a moment, trying to relax.
After refreshing her make-up she felt she was again ready to face the mysterious Santa.
The girls had the clean-up under control and all that was left to do was washing the punch glasses and cleaning the tables.
A few of the ladies offered to stay until it was time to lock up and Sara would be here any minute to help with the final tidying.
Maggie, here I come, she told herself, picturing a relaxing evening with her friend.
A dreamy waltz was playing when she left the ladies room.
Her eyes automatically searched for the mystery Santa, determined not to put herself in a vulnerable position, but before she knew what was happening he'd grasped her waist from behind, spinning her around and into his arms. The strong arm around her waist definitely let her know she wasn't going anywhere and his big hand enveloped her own, effectively stopping her from using it to push him away.
Color flooded her cheeks. His hold was inescapable and she was sure she could feel the beating of his heart through his padding.
She tried to use her other hand to pull down his beard and discover his identity, but he just laughed and swung her in circles to the music until she laid her head on his chest, dizzy.
“Have you ever heard of asking, Santa?”
“It occurred to me,” he answered, obviously ignoring the indignation in her voice. “But I decided to follow my own advice to our friend there and go after what I want”, he replied, nodding toward Ray and his lady, dancing in a world of their own.
Rebecca swallowed hard. Lord, how do I get myself into these situations? His voice was deep and not at all unpleasant and again she was almost certain she knew this man; an amorous Santa who wouldn't take no for an answer. Where was Mason when she needed him?
Sighing Rebecca decided to finish the dance with good grace and then escape for Maggie's at her first opportunity.
Relaxing in his arms she gave herself over to the spell of the music, marveling at how well he danced despite his heavy boots and padded stomach.
His soft beard tickled her forehead and when she closed her eyes she felt like she was in the arms of a giant teddy bear.
Surprisingly, after she relaxed, the threatening feeling faded away and she actually felt safe and protected.
He was strong and led her in the steps skillfully and lightly.
Almost sorry when the dance ended, she shook her head to clear away the strange feelings.
It must be the outfit that made her feel like she'd been secure and cared for.
Expecting to be released, Rebecca started to thank him for the dance when to her extreme embarrassment and alarm he swept her up in his arms and sat down in the nearest chair, holding her firmly on his lap.
His legs were so long that her feet dangled inches off the floor keeping her helpless; his arm around her waist resting mere inches beneath breast. Speechless with fury, Rebecca could only gasp when the deranged Santa calmly whispered in her ear.
“And what do you want for Christmas pretty lady?” Santa asked innocently.
Suddenly the light and the angle of his glasses revealed eyes of stormy blue, sparkling with humor.
“A gun,” she shot back, really beginning to struggle now that she realized the rotten trick Mason played on her.
“Now, Now,” he told her tightening his hold, sliding one hand under her bottom and kneading firmly.
“Santa could make all your dreams come true.” Mason's grin was her undoing.
“If my dreams come true, I'll be in jail by tomorrow,” she growled back from between clenched teeth. “NOW LET ME GO!”
“Not a chance. Santa finds his sexy green elf extremely tempting. Now be a good little girl, we have an audience.”
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 several of 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.