Night of Destiny Novel by Vanessa K

Angela had been wiping the corners of her mouth when Richard took the canteen wordlessly and gulped down some water.

She paused and gaped at him

incredulously as a fleeting thought crossed her mind, Does that mean we indirectly kissed? A pink flush crept over her cheeks, and she wondered how he could so readily drink from the same canteen she had used mere seconds ago.

Oblivious to her thoughts, Richard shrugged on his backpack and pointed to the tallest summit in the distance. “That will be our destination, so let’s move!”

Her eyes widened at the sight of the summit, which looked grayish-blue under the thin layer of mist that shrouded it. “I’m sorry. Are you suggesting we climb all the way up there?”

“Yes, how astute of you,” Richard drawled

sarcastically. He raised a brow at her and asked snidely, “You’re not scared, are you?”

for his trap, Angela snapped, “Of course I’m not

smirked. “Then,

back as he trekked forward. Though her legs were already wobbly and her clothes soaked through with sweat, Richard did

wait up!” Angela cried out as she tossed aside

this point. But she refused to give up; her pride and determination did not allow her to even though she

a sixty-degree angle. Just looking at it

though sensing her reluctance, Richard threw an amused look over his shoulder at her, taking in her

Angela said, reaching out her arm toward

this gesture warmed her. At least he’s not leaving me out here to perish on my own, she thought, cheering up considerably. “You know, you didnt have to apologize to me last night,” she began hesitantly, her exhaustion compelling her to

to see her grinning sweetly back at him. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were twinkling with mischief. She

playfully tugged on his arm and pulled him close to her. The poor man was already in a daze, and the sudden pull made him take one step closer

nose nearly pressed up against his chest. She had only wanted to tease him for fun; this proximity was not what she had planned for

and she narrowed her pretty doe-eyes for a second before looking up to see the perfect, sumptuous curve of his lips. Abruptly,

on the tip of her toes, and before Richard could react, she gave him a quick peck on his

looked at the girl incredulously, but she had already pulled away from him

couldn’t believe she had kissed him. Of all the ways she thought this