Rendezvous in Cannes by Jennifer Bohnet

actually walking towards the screen. He’s going to make a speech about the film by the look of things.’
    They both listened as Clint talked about his 1971 film. His remark, ‘If you have trouble recognising me, I’m the one with the brown hair and lots of it,’ said with a self-deprecating smile, delighted the crowd and earned him a round of applause as the film began and he left.
    Sitting on the beach next to Nat, Daisy found it hard to concentrate on the film. If she were honest Dirty Harry wasn’t really her kind of film – she was more a Sleepless in Seattle type of girl. Sitting companionably at Nat’s side, she let not only the rolling sound of the Mediterranean as it lapped at the beach, wash over her, but also much of the film’s dialogue and action as she thought about the future and Ben’s letter.
    Thinking he’d made a mistake wasn’t the same as knowing and regretting, was it? He hadn’t mentioned loving her in the letter, just that he was missing her. And did he seriously expect her to go halfway around the world on a whim of his? Probably, she decided. Ben had always been the one to decide what they would do as a couple and she’d tended to follow meekly in his wake.
    She’d quite enjoyed her independence of the last few months – particularly once she’d got over the shock of Ben dumping her and re-discovered some of her own dreams. So much had been pushed to one side while she was with Ben.
    Like going freelance. ‘No security in being a freelance,’ Ben had said. ‘We both need a regular monthly cheque.’
    Now she was alone, was she brave enough to go freelance? Unlike Nat she didn’t have any other training to fall back on. She did have some savings though. Enough to live on for at least six months, she reckoned, if the freelance work didn’t take off straight away.
    When the cooling night air made her shiver and Nat placed an arm protectively around her shoulders, she snuggled in against him. Right now she realised, she was happier than she’d been in years. She didn’t need Ben in her life.
    As the credits rolled Nat asked, ‘Taxi or shall we walk back?’
    ‘Let’s walk along the bord de mer,’ Daisy answered. ‘It’s such a lovely evening.’
    Late though it was, the restaurants along the bord de mer were still busy – there were even a few brave souls going for a late night dip. Strolling along with her arm around Nat’s waist and his arm around her shoulders felt comfortable and natural. As did the goodnight kiss he gave her as he left her at the villa door. A delicious tingling feeling flooded through her body.
    ‘Goodnight Daisy. See you tomorrow. Thank you for a lovely evening.’
    As Daisy watched him go with a smile on her face, she realised with that kiss, Nat had just ‘made her day’.

Chapter Eighteen
    Anna, putting the finishing touches to the special dinner she’d prepared, glanced out of the kitchen window to where Leo was busy organising things around the pool. He didn’t seem disappointed that they were eating at the villa tonight instead of finding a special restaurant as he’d initially suggested.
    ‘A romantic dinner with just the two of us here, will be wonderful,’ he’d said. ‘So long as it’s not too much trouble for you.’
    ‘I love having someone special to cook for,’ Anna had answered.
    Watching Leo light the candles on the table and adjust the chairs, Anna felt a wave of love wash over her. She was so lucky to have met Leo. Picking up their smoked salmon starters she took them outside and placed them on the table.
    Standing there with the candles and the sonar garden lights flickering into life and the occasional bat flitting through the twilight, Anna looked at Leo, and said softly, ‘I need to talk to you.’
    Moving to her side, Leo took her in his arms. ‘In a minute. First, I love you – will you marry me?’
    Although she’d been longing to hear that very question for some months, she hadn’t expected Leo to choose