Copyright

HarperImpulse an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 7785 Fulham Palace Road Hammersmith, London W6 8JB www.harpercollins.co.uk First published in Great Britain by HarperImpulse 2013 Copyright Mandy Baggot 2013 Cover Photographs shutterstock.com Mandy Baggot asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the authors imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins. Ebook Edition July 2013 ISBN:9780007543946 Version 1 Digital eFirst: Automatically produced by Atomik ePublisher from Easypress.

Chapter One
August 2005 His skin was like perfectly browned toast, but with the smooth perfection of chocolate spread. It had been almost a week already and Emma still loved watching him. It was his athleticism and sheer passion for the game, even just in fun with the children, that she admired, gawped at and lusted after. He was rangy; almost six feet tall, already with the muscular frame of a man He couldnt be more than eighteen, could he? His hair was dark but flecked with gold from the French sun and his eyes were the colour of wet grass cool and crisp, like giant green mirrors, looking into the soul of anyone that he met. Emma had said four words to him in six and a half days. Bonjour and Oui, ca va. Why hadnt she learned more French? Or why didnt she just talk to him in English? She knew he spoke it well, to the children he taught football skills to and to all the other girls who werent too scared to approach him and demand his attention. They giggled and adjusted the straps on their tiny bikini tops, flicking their hair and gazing at him with adoration in their eyes. She didnt blame them. He was something of a god on their Riviera campsite. He deserved all their flirtation and amorous advances. She just wished she had the guts to join in. Brie baguette, Emma? her father, Mike called. He placed a plastic plate on the wobbly table in front of her and launched himself into the canvas seat opposite. She didnt reply. Havent you finished that book yet? You remember what Mr. Devlin said. You must read the required text by the time we get back. He bit down into the impossibly tough bread, made so by the blistering sun and the lack of refrigeration facilities in their 1

four-man tent. I know, Dad. Im getting there. She slipped her copy of Cosmopolitan down from her lap and under the table as discreetly as she could. Chaucer was one thing. But knowing how to put your eyeliner on properly when you were just feet away from the most gorgeous specimen you had ever encountered was far more important. Not that she had got close enough for Guy to have a chance of noticing her eyes, or the make-up outlining them. In fact, the closest they had got was at the clubhouse. Guy behind the bar, her behind her Dad, waiting patiently for her Orangina. Her mousy hair un styled and wet from the cold shower shed just had. She bit into the baguette. The fusion of bread and soft cheese warmed her all over and smothered her in gladness. She was so happy to be in France. It was almost six months since her mother died and it was only on this holiday - her dads attempt to get them out of the house and away from the memories of her mothers slow, painful demise that shed started to feel like the teenager she was. Living alongside cancer aged everyone. She could see it in her dads face and feel it inside of herself. They were both changed forever. She was that little bit more grown-up and her dad...well, he was supposedly still grieving for his childhood sweetheart. Three weeks in France couldnt heal them completely, but perhaps it would plaster over the cuts and bruises, act like a liniment and give them the strength they both needed to go on. Emma took a deep breath and raised her head towards the sunshine. France had so much going for it after all. They had the best food, the best weather and apparently the best-looking boys. They just didnt make them the same in England. Guy was bright and funny. He made everyone around him feel special just by being in his company. His voice was thick with a low, sultry accent and when he laughed it made her insides tighten. That had to be a good thing no matter how weird it felt. 2

She was contemplating actually taking a glance at Chaucer when there was a loud shout in French and suddenly she found herself with a football in her face, a baguette on her lap and her backside on the floor. The camping chair upended and lay next to her. You alright, love? Here, come on, let me give you a hand up, Mike said, leaping from his seat and going to his daughters aid. He was beaten to it. As Emma slowly began to realise what had happened, an olive-skinned hand was taking a delicate hold of hers, as if handling the most fragile of objects. Im so sorrywe play too hardI should take more care, he said, his hand resting in hers. She couldnt speak. His beautiful face was only inches from hers, his blanket of chestnut brown hair flopping forward over his cut-glass eyes. He could have been reciting Shakespeare and she wouldnt have heard it. She was struck dumb, mesmerised by his spell. All she could see were his deliciously full lips as he mouthed the word care and all she could feel was the slight pressure of that tanned hand in hers. You OK, love? her dad said again looking at her bewildered expression with concern. He probably thinks Ive taken a blow to the head, Emma thought, realising her blue eyes were wide from staring at the French boy and her mouth was parted in a rather pathetic pop-star groupie kind of way. She closed it up and struggled to get to her feet. He helped her. He took her arm with one hand, righted the camping chair with the other and then, supporting her with both his hands, he lowered her into her seat. If she died now, gave in to the heart attack she was surely having, she wouldnt care. Shed be content to go just because he had touched her. He picked her book up off the floor and ran his fingers over its cover, removing the dust. Chow-cer, he said, looking at the illustration and trying to get the pronunciation right. 3

Chor-cer. Its not my book of choice. I mean I have to read it, for school. Its for A-levels, you know, exams, she babbled. She knew her freckled cheeks were reddening. She knew it wasnt because the factor thirty sun cream was wearing off. It was him. She was blushing. It was hormonal. Ally had told her all about it. I love to read. Not Chow-cer perhaps, I do not know. You think I would like this book? he asked, flicking open the pages and observing the text. The only thing Emma was observing was him. The way his fingers stroked each page, the way he was looking at the words. He looked at them as if they were important, as if they might move something in him. Im not sure I like him, I mean his style of writing. Its all in really old English, like relic stuff. No one talks that way now. Well, apart from Mr. Devlin who seems to revel in it. But hes like a character out of Dickenson skis. Emma added as Guy raised his head to study her. He threw his head back and laughed, his green eyes alive, his hair drooping over onto his forehead. On skis? What is this on skis? We just say it, in England. Well, me and my friends back home. Its just like saying someone is something and then a hundred percent more, Emma attempted to explain. Why had she said that? Stupid Ally Thomas and her made-up phrases to try and sound cool. It didnt sound cool. Not when you were trying to explain it to a hot French boy you couldnt keep your eyes off. Likehow you say? The girl is beautiful - on skis, Guy said, his eyes locking with hers. Yes, just like that, Emma agreed, having to force the words up her throat. Im Guy, he said. He extended his bronzed hand towards her. She knew this. Everyone knew who he was and what he was called. He was the pin-up of the campsite, the person everyone 4

wanted to know and be known by. But she loved the way he pronounced it. Gey like key. To her it was the best name in the world, oozing his laid-back coolness. Im Emma, she said. She took his hand and gave it a professional handshake she might have reserved for a careers advisor. I know, he answered, smiling.

Chapter Two
Present Day Marry me. The words were bumping around in her head, stopping anything else from getting through. Sometimes when Emma replayed the phrase it filled her with excitement, joy and a thrill she hadnt felt for years. Then, when her mind repeated the question again it was spoken by a different voice. Marry me. It sounded wrong, almost like a jailor talking before the shackles were attached. Well? How does it look? Ally Thomas barked. It looks like a gym. Argh! Emma! A little more enthusiasm please! It is a state-ofthe-art sports facility. A gym conjures up images of strongmen, puffing, panting and dumbbells. Here, at the Wellness Sports and Spa Fitness Centre we do not have stress and strain. We have motivational personal trainers. We have the latest in cardiovascular equipment and we have beauty treatments to rival a dip in the Icelandic mud baths, Ally announced. She proudly puffed out her chest like an aroused pigeon. The Wellness Sports and Spa Fitness Centre was brand new and being opened and launched that day. Emma was there because Ally was the manager. Ally knew nothing about sports and fitness, but she had a power suit and a loud voice and could organise the unorganisable. She wanted her best friends opinion before the official opening in the afternoon. How things had changed in eight years. Eight years ago, Ally had been all set to do a course in beauty at the college and Emma was destined for university. She had made it there, but at the time shed had to prioritise. Emma swallowed as she caught sight of their reflection in the 6

wall-width mirror. Self-consciously, she scraped her blonde bobbed hair behind both ears. Compared to Ally she looked like Cinderella in the pre-ball rags period. Ally was dressed in designer wear, all coiffured and tweaked, not an eyelash out of place. Emma was wearing jeans shed had for years and a much-loved, shapeless, cream, long-sleeved top. Money was tight and Dominic came first. So, are you staying for the ribbon-cutting? Ally asked, checking her watch. No, Ive got to pick Dominic up from swimming in... She checked her watch. God, fifteen minutes. Id better go. No more rushing about for you in a few months. Well be doing swimming lessons here you know, Ally proudly reminded.. I know, youve given me at least five leaflets about it. Ive got to go, Emma said, embracing her friend and trying not to crinkle her so obviously new suit. You and Chris are coming to the gala dinner tonight though, arent you? Ive invited Councillor Martin. I know youre desperate to bend his ear about more funding for the school, Ally said. Yes were coming. My dads babysitting Dominic and we have a pass out until at least midnight. Later if I leave him chocolate Bourbons, Emma said, grinning. Shed been looking forward to the gala dinner since Ally told her about it. Usually the closest she got to dressing-up was when she decided her students at the school needed period costume to help them understand the era they were studying. With a young son and a boyfriend who worked unsociable hours as a taxi driver, nights on the razz were very few and far between. She only hoped tonight wouldnt be tainted by the question she still hadnt answered. Hed said the words, marry me, like hed said them twice before. This time she had sighed heavily, patted his arm and taken a pile of towels up to the airing cupboard. She knew it wasnt what hed hoped for and she wondered how long he would keep asking before he gave up on her. Hows your dads internet dating going? Ally asked, opening 7

the door and leading her friend back out to the balloon-adorned reception area. Hes going on a second date with Velma the dog trainer next week, she announced with a giggle. Blimey! I thought you said she brought one of her dogs along to the last date. She did. Dad likes dogs, Emma said. Im saying nothing. So, whos the celebrity you managed to con into opening this fitness and wellness spectacular for the prize of a money-off voucher for the butchers? Emma asked. She pushed open the main door and got her hair whipped up by the breeze. Ah well, I had got Jason Simpson. You know, Englands number ten, scores loads of goals every week for Finnerham United. The kids absolutely love him, the women adore him, the men respect him and I was clapping my hands together... Ally began. He cant come, can he? Hes gone and done in one of those crucial ligaments or something and theyre operatingtoday, Ally informed her with a frustrated sigh. And? And Im left with some new guy theyve just signed from France. Now what was his name? Guy. Thats right, Guy Duval. He probably cant speak the lingo, no one will understand a word he says and hell probably smell of onions and look like the back end of a bus, Ally gabbled. Guy Duval, Emma said. Her voice had dropped to a whisper. Marry me. Marry me. Marry me. The images were already in her head; his dark hair, his emerald-coloured eyes, the touch of his hand.. Emma, youre letting air in. It will play havoc with my climate control, Ally said, taking the door from her friends hand. I have to go, she said, her voice almost failing her. I know, shoo! Go and get Dom and Ill see you later. Ill be 8

the one with my hand up the French guys arse being the ventriloquist when he cant speak a word of English, Ally said, cackling out a laugh. Emma managed a faint smile and hurried out of the leisure centre. It couldnt be him! Duval in France was like Smith in England. There were hundreds of people in France called that, werent there? And so he played football? So did lots of men. Lots of French men called Duval. No, it couldnt be him. It wouldnt be him.

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