‘I’ll have to take your word for that.’

‘It was his insatiable appetite for pretty young ladies that frightened all who were unlucky enough to know his name.’

‘Really?’ Nicole couldn’t help but giggle. ‘Sounds like most young men I know.’

‘You misunderstand me, dear lady. Appetite,’ he said. ‘Ap-pe-tite.’ He smacked his lips together.

‘Oh, I see.’ Nicole feigned sombreness.

‘His count was near a hundred when one day, he landed here, on South Beach, and came to feast on the young ladies of the town. He came across a young lass, like yourself, walking, just like you do now, and he had his mind fixed on what he’d do with her. But then …’ he paused dramatically.

‘But then?’ Nicole had to play along now.

‘Just as he was about to raise his sword to her, she asked how the day’s sailing had been, can you believe?’

‘I barely dare.’ She gasped, raising her hand to her chest in feigned shock.

‘She didn’t scream or cry, but kept a straight face. He answered and then she asked another question. And another and another, each question more interesting than the last. Before he realised it, the dawn was about to break and his heart had been stolen. Never before had he felt love,’ Danny paused, ‘nor would he again.’

‘Oh, do go on.’ Nicole grinned.

‘The young girl’s father happened by, right as the lass was stealing Pete’s heart, and realised just who was sitting beside his beloved daughter. He picked up the pirate’s own sword, which was on the ground in the dirt, and charged him, piercing him right through the gut. The Dread Pirate Pete was killed just as he was about to declare his love for the maiden and carry her away on his ship so they could wed.’

‘How terribly tragic.’ She raised her hand to her chest in mock drama.

‘To this day,’ Danny continued, ‘on nights exactly like this, exactly as it was a hundred years ago, with the night sky so dark and fluid, the ghost of the Dread Pirate Pete wanders the streets of the cove, looking for his lost love, so he can finally sail away with her.’

‘Wow. For someone who doesn’t read, you sure can spin a yarn.’ Nicole’s smile broadened.

‘Mock me at your own peril. The story is true as I’m standing here.’ He stopped dead in front of her and her momentum forced her to stumble into him, her hands to his chest.

‘Well, then, maybe you’re right.’ She stepped back, her cheeks flushed. ‘Perhaps I should have an escort. We’re halfway there already, so you may as well stick around.’

‘It’s the only wise thing to do.’ He put his hand on his chest.

‘If you’re ever looking for a book deal, I’ve got a lot of contacts in the world of fiction,’ Nicole said teasingly.