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?”

snapped, “Of course I’m not scared! Ill climb that

“Then, shall we

of his back as he trekked forward. Though her legs were already wobbly and her clothes soaked through with sweat, Richard did not look the slightest bit

cried out as she tossed aside the wildflower bouquet and ran up

she refused to give up; her pride and determination did not allow her to even though she was on the brink

at a

an amused look over his shoulder at her, taking in her defeated

up” Angela said, reaching out her arm

looked at her hand and naturally gripped it. For some reason, 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 re-evaluate her conscience. “I should be the one to

back at him. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were twinkling with mischief.

her. The poor man was already

ended up standing so close together that the tip of Angela’s nose nearly pressed up against his chest. She had

looking up to see the perfect, sumptuous curve of his lips. Abruptly, she found herself thinking audaciously, What if I

and before Richard could react, she gave him a quick peck on

she had already pulled away from him and ran away like a kitten that got

as well. She couldn’t believe she had kissed him. Of all the ways she thought this hike would go, this was not one of