Free Cajun Magic 01 - Voodoo on the Bayou by Elle James Page B

satchel over her shoulder, and everything else gripped loosely in her hands, she followed him down the steps to the dock.
    An unavoidable challenge.
    His narrow butt was just as tempting clothed as naked. His broad shoulders blocked her view of the water. Or was it she could only see him? In truth, if she looked up, she’d stare over the top of his head straight out into the swamp.
    She swallowed, her thoughts an incoherent tangle of emotion and fear, with no logic to balance those unfamiliar, raw feelings.
    He turned left and she got her first up close and personal view of the inky black water, not four feet away from her. She stood rooted to the wooden planks of the jetty, mesmerized by the swirling shadows created by the marina lights reflecting off the smooth surface. Her already speeding heart threatened to jump out of her chest.
    Suddenly, Craig’s retreating figure was a lifeline she desperately needed to grab onto.
    Stomach in her throat, she ripped her gaze from the dark, liquid depths and locked in on the man she found completely distracting. Already, the growing distance between them seemed insurmountable. Much farther and she’d be paralyzed, incapable of following him.
    Well then, get your pale white ass in gear and catch up .
    She forced her feet to move, stumbling after him, keeping her eyes on her goal. Looking ahead instead of down, she charged forward. Then her clunky boot caught on something protruding from the jetty and she pitched forward.
    With her arms too full to provide balance, she knew she was doomed. Not again . She tossed the bucket off her arm, chucked the flashlight, and threw her arms in front of her to brace for landing, praying she wouldn’t fall into the water.
    “ Oomph .”
    Her palms connected with rough boards moments before her chest and head, absorbing only a little of the shock. She hit hard. Winded, she groped to either side of her for the reassuringly solid planks of the dock. When she was sure she wasn’t dangling over the edge, she lifted her head.
    Her hair escaped its ponytail and swung into her face, blocking her view. When she pushed it aside and looked up, a pair of deck shoes stood inches from her nose. She let her hair fall back over her face, wishing it would hide her complete embarrassment.
    Craig Thibodeaux squatted beside her and gently lifted the strands to peer underneath, concern written in his frown. “Are you okay?”
    Elaine grimaced. “I think the only thing damaged is my pride.”
    His smile seeped into her bones, warming her to her toes and tempering some of her humiliation. “Don’t worry. I’ve tripped on that same knothole at least a hundred times. Don’t know why Uncle Joe hasn’t done something about it.” He straightened and extended his hand.
    She reluctantly accepted the hand. Fear of rolling into the water outweighed her fear of her reaction to his touch.
    With one strong tug, he brought her to her feet, and slipped his arms around her waist to steady her.
    She breathed in the musky, intoxicating scent of male, her heart skittering into her belly. Everywhere she touched him electric shocks ran through her nervous system, racing through her body to pool with pulsing intensity between her thighs.
    “Oh my,” she whispered. Pushing the hair from her eyes, she dared to sneak a peek up at his face.
    His arms were steel bands around her back, but his expression held a hint of laughter. “Are you going to make it from here to the boat, or do you want me to carry you?”
    Startled at the tempting image his words evoked, she shoved against his chest and stepped a few inches away, willing her heart to calm its erratic beat. “I can manage, thank you very much.” Laced with irritation, her voice sounded ungrateful even to her own ears. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so snippy. Thank you for helping me up. I’m not usually so clumsy.”
    “Is it just when you’re on docks? Or when you’re around men?”
    Just with you. She bit her lip to