Had it not been for the full moon, the countryside around Wynmouth would have been pitch-black. Joe and I leant against the wall at the end of his drive and took a moment to admire the multitude of stars shining above our heads.

‘That’s the milky way,’ he said, competently pointing out the constellations, ‘and that’s the plough.’

‘How appropriate,’ I smiled, looking at where his finger was pointing. ‘Are you sure you’re going to be all right walking back on your own?’ The track behind us looked endless in the dark. ‘I could try and get the car down. I’m happy to give it a go.’

‘No,’ he insisted, ‘I’ll be fine. My phone’s got a decent torch and besides, I know it like the back of my hand. I won’t go twisting my ankle, if that’s what you’re worried about.’

‘I was actually thinking more about Black Shuck coming to get you,’ I said, giving a little shiver.

George had a definite fondness for telling the tale of the hound from hell and I felt myself shy away from looking out across the fields, for fear of seeing two red eyes staring back at me.

‘Oh, I shouldn’t worry about that,’ said Joe, moving to stand in front of me. ‘He’s probably down at the beach tearing backwards and forwards in search of that poor lost sailor soul.’

That was hardly a comforting thought. The beach was practically a stone’s throw from the cottage’s front door!

‘So, he might end up coming for me then,’ I said. ‘I’ve got to walk by there after I’ve parked the car behind the pub.’

‘I could always come back with you,’ said Joe, taking me by surprise as he stepped closer. ‘See you safely to your door.’

I leant further back against the wall, wondering if I was about to experience a repeat performance of that unforgettable first kiss. This wasn’t the end to the evening that I had envisaged, but I wasn’t going to object to the change of plan.

‘But then how would you get back?’ I breathed as Joe leant his body into mine and rested his hands on my waist.

His touch was gentle as was the feel of his breath against my neck as he bent to whisper in my ear.

‘Maybe you could run me back in the morning.’

His lips lightly brushed my collar bone.

‘But then—’ I began. I didn’t get the chance to finish before he covered his mouth with mine and kissed me deeply.