She rolled down the window and wondered if he was going to ask to come with her.
“What is it, Oliver?” she asked, and for some reason her heart raced.
“You forgot your credit cards.” He handed her a leather wallet.
“Thank you,” she answered and burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he demanded. “You wouldn’t be laughing if you arrived at the airport without your credit cards.”
“You still have shaving cream on your cheeks.” She giggled. “You look like Santa Claus.”
“Is that better?” He wiped his cheeks. “Will you have lunch with me on Friday? I’ll drive up to Connecticut, and we’ll go to that inn on Main Street.”
“I’d like that.” She nodded. “I’ll see you then. Have a safe trip.”
The taxi pulled away, and the bay spread out before her. The sea was the color of emeralds, and the air smelled of the sweetest perfume. She leaned back on the seat and was so happy.
Acknowledgments
This is a special book to me, and I want to thank my wonderful agent, Melissa Flashman, and my fabulous editor, Lauren Jablonski, for making it all possible. Thank you to my amazing team at St. Martin’s Press: my publicist, Brittani Hilles; my marketing person, Karen Masnica; Brant Janeway; Jennifer Enderlin; and Jennifer Weis.
Sometimes it’s not enough to thank individual friends; it’s important to thank a whole community. A huge thank-you to the educators and parents at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, particularly Tony Jordan, Phoebe Larson, and Will Mosley for taking such great care of my children. Thank you to Jessica Parr, Sara Sullivan, and Cathie Lawler for really being there. And thank you to my children, Alex, Andrew, Heather, Madeleine, and Thomas, for being everything in the world to me.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you feel about Lily asking Enzo to find her a man because Oliver is staying in the next room with his new girlfriend? Would you do the same thing in Lily’s situation or would you try to be happy alone?
2. Do you think Lily and Oliver tried to keep their marriage together for too long or not long enough? If the same things happened in your marriage, would you try to keep it going or end it?
3. Do you believe there is a real connection between Lily and Ricky or do you think Lily is being swept up in a holiday romance? Give examples to support your position.
4. Oliver obviously loves Lily, but he’s made some bad mistakes. How do you feel about Oliver? Do you find him to be a sympathetic character? Why or why not?
5. Do you think Lily’s mother should take some of the blame for Lily and Oliver’s problems? Have you encountered someone like that in your romantic relationships, and how did you handle him or her?
6. Angela is an interesting blend of a focused career woman and someone who wants a husband and family. What are your thoughts on Angela? Do you think Oliver overreacted to what she did?
7. The Emerald Coast of Sardinia is a dream destination with gorgeous beaches and glamorous yachts. What is your idea of the perfect destination, and what do you look for when you are planning a trip?
8. Ricky is handsome and charismatic, and it is easy to see why Lily fell for him. Do you think he really had feelings for Lily? Why or why not?
10. Imagine the story picking up six months later. Where would Lily and Oliver be and what would be happening?
St. Martin’s Griffin
Also by Anita Hughes
White Sand, Blue Sea
Christmas in Paris
Santorini Sunsets
Island in the Sea
Rome in Love
French Coast
Lake Como
Market Street
Monarch Beach
About the Author
Anita Hughes is the author of White Sand, Blue Sea; Christmas in Paris; Santorini Sunsets; Island in the Sea; Rome in Love; French Coast; Lake Como; Market Street; and Monarch Beach. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and she lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel. For more information visit anitahughesbooks.com, or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Discussion Questions
Also by Anita Hughes
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
EMERALD COAST. Copyright © 2017 by Anita Hughes. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
www.stmartins.com
Cover design by Oceana Garceau
Cover photographs: woman © Collin Anderson/Getty Images; beach © Marcin Krzyzak/Shutterstock.com; beach © Protonz/Shutterstock.com
The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.
ISBN 978-1-250-13087-7 (trade paperback)
ISBN 978-1-250-13088-4 (ebook)
eISBN 9781250130884
Our ebooks may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational, or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department at 1-800-221-7945, extension 5442, or by email at MacmillanSpecialMarkets@macmillan.com.
First Edition: August 2017