The Voodoo Doll

Kim was so busy watching the white capped waves of the gray, stormy sea she didn't hear anyone approach.

Suddenly, a tall ominous shadow fell across hers on the sand.  She was startled.  Her recent fright returned in triplicate as her heart momentarily stopped beating.  New terror flooded through her.

Turning rapidly, she tried to stand, automatically throwing her arm up to ward off a descending blow. 

She had risen too fast; her feet refused to support her weight.  As she fell heavily, she cried out in alarm and everything swam directly around her for just an instant.

Once the foggy haze cleared her eyes focused; she realized bronzed arms held her for a minute before she was lifted to her feet.  Still supported by strong arms, she turned to see a tall stranger bending over her.....a man she'd never seen before.

His tender voice was deep and extremely concerned.  "Are you all right?"

"Oh, yes," she finally gasped, relaxing weakly against him when she realized he meant her no harm.  She closed her eyes in obvious relief.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you."

"That's all right.  I thought I was alone.  When I realized I wasn't, you startled me."

"I apologize," he said quickly.  "I never meant to scare you."

His voice was deep and his smile broad and friendly.  Kim noticed then that he had dropped a canvas, a box of paints and an easel on the ground when he reached out to steady her.

Without intending to, Kim found herself staring openly at him.  He had dark wavy hair; his skin was tanned to a deep bronze and his bright blue eyes were twinkling humorously.  They were a startling vivid contrast to the darkness of his smooth skin.  He was exceptionally tall, rugged and very striking. 

His good looks would always warrant second glances from admiring females.  He had a firm, rather wide mouth, almost cruel, but turned up a little in an engaging smile.  His prominent cheekbones were high and chiseled; dark eyebrows almost met across the bridge of his nose.  There was a deep cleft in his chin and crinkled lines around the corners of both eyes.

"Hey, don't stare.  I promise not to bite.  If  you'll just sit down, I'll join you."

"I'm sorry," Kim dropped her eyes in dismay and confusion.  She settled back down on the sand, trying to still her racing heart.

"What's the problem?" he quizzed softly, sitting beside her.

"You're a stranger around here; I was only trying to place you."

He smiled broadly then.  His whole appearance changed.  Her first opinion was immediately forgotten; there was nothing cruel about his smile.  His teeth sparkled and were brilliantly white.  That smile made him exceedingly handsome.

He reached out and stacked his canvas and easel neatly beside him.  "You should know me.  I've lived in this county almost all my life."

"I'm sorry," she stammered slowly.  "But, I don't."

His dark blue eyes twinkled as his mouth curved gently again, losing that surprised expression.  He spoke again softly.  "Well......I know all about you, Mrs. Kimberly Marshall."