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adorned the hotel entrance, slowing her pace halfway down the tree-lined path. The last thing she needed was Erick. He’d jump to conclusions about why she was upset. At the sound of footsteps following her, she turned to look. Erick. Again.
    “Angel, wait up.”
    Anjelica stopped as he ran toward her. She couldn’t escape him. He’d always pursued her. He’d do so now. He clasped her shoulders, his face etched with concern. “Did one of the guys do something, say something?”
    She shook her head. Not really. With a deep sigh, she relented, wiping her eyes. “It’s Kristoff.”
    Erick wrapped his arms around her, and she began to sob. He held her tight, stroking her hair. “You’re missing him being here, aren’t you?”
    Anjelica laid her head on his shoulder without acknowledging his question. Truth was she wasn’t really missing Kristoff…not like she always had.
    “He’ll always be alive in your heart and in your memories.”
    “I know. And that’s the problem. I need to let him go…move on with my life. I need to fall in love again.” Anjelica’s chest heaved; her breathing sputtered. “And I need to stop feeling guilty.”
    Placing his fingers beneath her chin, Erick tipped her head upward. His gaze met hers. “You are not responsible for his death, Angel.”
    “I know. I made peace with that a long time ago.” Her voice felt weak.
    “Then why do you feel guilty?”
    “Because I think I might be falling in love again, and it scares me.”
    He pulled her closer and pressed his cheek against hers. His stubble pricked her skin. “ Min kjære …”
    My love? No! How had Erick misread what she was trying to say? A wave of nausea washed over her as his mouth crashed down on hers.
     
    ~*~
     
    Opening the door to the patio, Kyle paused and looked across the crowd. Where would she go? Definitely not here. Surely, she’d search for a quiet place where she could think, process what had happened? He shoved his way through the revelers and headed for the staircase. Perhaps he’d find her in the gardens.
    As he descended the stairs he could see two figures up ahead on the path between the trees, locked in an embrace. He’d recognize that slender figure and long blond hair anywhere. And the tall man whose mouth held hers captive.
    How had he not seen it before now? Her oversensitivity to Erick enjoying his “pink skies” joke. Erick’s annoyance when he’d asked about Anjelica earlier. How would he face them both tomorrow? Kyle turned on his heel and hurried away before they saw him.
     
    ~*~
     
    Anjelica shoved Erick away. “Are you crazy?” She spoke in undertones, taking care not to make a scene.
    “But you said—”
    “I might’ve been in love with you, Erick, when I was ten, but not anymore. We’ve had this conversation far too many times for you to have misunderstood me.” She turned and marched back up the path. She should’ve stayed in her room tonight.
    And miss Kyle’s kiss?
    Erick ran up behind her. He reached for her. “Angel, please—”
    She recoiled at his touch. “Don’t…” She quickened her pace.
    His footsteps halted. “I’m really sorry,” he called after her, his voice laced with regret.
    Anjelica stopped and peered over her shoulder.
    He looked so forlorn. Rejected.
    “I’m sorry, too, Erick.”
    She hurried back up the stairs, shoved her way through the men, and burst into the room. But the chairs were empty. Kyle was gone. Disappointed, Anjelica dragged herself to her room. Tomorrow, after church, she’d tell him everything.
     
     
     
     

5
     
    Kyle scrunched the pillow beneath his head as if the action would find him rest. Hadn’t he tried that far too many times throughout the night? He peered at his watch. Time to get up already? He swung his feet out of bed. They hit the carpeted floor with barely a sound in the narrow space between his bed and Luke’s.
    He dreaded facing Anjelica today. And Erick. Would she tell Erick that he’d kissed her?