“That’s not my dare, is it?” Antonia asked. “I can take a shot of Jameson.”

“No, it’s not your dare, but we’ll take those shots,” he said to Karen. The young woman chuckled as she retreated from their table. He turned back to Antonia who was still very confused.

“Well, spit it out,” Antonia said, leaning forward, forgetting about their dessert. “What is it?”

“I dare you to book a hotel in Clifden.”

Aiden wasn’t surprised by her shocked expression, but he was curious if she’d play along. If she was brave enough, their little outing that had started with a boat ride, could turn into a small getaway from Tully Cross. He hoped he had sized her up correctly.

Her silence was an opportunity for Aiden to playfully goad her. “Now if you’re unable to fulfill the obligations of truth or dare, that’s perfectly understandable.”

“No, I’m not quitting,” she said quickly. “I’m just thinking.”

Aiden held his breath.

“What if they’re all full?” she asked.

“The festival ended yesterday and some of these folks have to go back to work,” he said. “I’m sure something has been freed up.”

Antonia sighed and rolled her eyes upward. She was thinking hard. The implications of what he asked were obviously not lost on her. “Sure,” she finally said. “I’ll look something up and...book it?”

Aiden placed his phone on the table top and slid it toward her. “You can use my phone if that’s easier,” he said with a grin. She regarded the phone with disdain, keeping her hands in her lap.

“You’re the devil,” she whispered.

“Then you should know better than to accept my dares,” he said in a soft voice.

Antonia eyed him with a renewed curiosity. A small smile played on her lips as she picked up the phone. “I suppose you’re right,” she murmured as she scrolled through his phone. “But this isn’t me signing Ole Scratch’s book.”

“Oh, I’ve had your name for a while, m’dear.”

When Karen returned with drinks in hand, she set them down and placed her hands on her hips. “So is it bad?” she asked Antonia.

Antonia looked up from his phone and smiled. “I have to prank a man named Paddy O’Brien,” she said easily. “Ask him if his fridge is running.”

Karen looked disappointed. “Aw, that’s kind of tame.”

Aiden glanced at his date and shook his head. She was quick on her feet when she had to be. “But it’s a classic.”

“You two let me know if you need anything else,” Karen said as she drifted to the next table.

“While I book this,” Antonia said. “I’d like to take my turn.”

Aiden lifted his drink and took a deep drink. “Do your worst.”

“Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” he said quickly.

She glanced up from the phone. “Have you dated a black woman before?”

Aiden swallowed. “No.”

“Why not?” she said, batting her lashes. “We’re quite lovely people.”

“I have no doubt,” he replied. “But I just haven’t had the opportunity.”