He gave her a dismissive wave. “It’s different.”

She rolled her eyes in response. “I think we’re letting the game get away from us.” She took another sip. “Whose turn is it?”

“Yours,” he said. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” she said boldly.

“Have you enjoyed yourself today?”

Antonia stopped. “What? No trick?”

“Honest question. Have you enjoyed yourself today?”

She nervously tucked a curl behind her ear and took another drink. “I have,” she said with hesitation. “I haven’t been on a real date in a long time.”

“I’m glad.”

They settled into a short silence, staring at one another with buzzed smiles. The drink had gone to his head and he could see Antonia’s face was flushed as well. Their dessert had gone abandoned while they talked, leaving the ice cream a melted pool of white. After a moment, Antonia reached a hand across the table and wiggled her fingers. Aiden saw that as a sign.

He took her by the hand and stared into her deep brown eyes. “Antonia,” he said softly. “I’ve enjoyed these last few days with you, immensely.”

She stroked his knuckles with her thumb, her smile downward cast. “I have too.”

There was something that lingered over their table, some unspoken request that they were both too frightened to make. After all, it had been less than a week of talking and laughing and...other things. He wondered if she minded if things were moving swiftly or if she liked rolling with the punches as well. Whatever this was, he didn’t want it to end.

Antonia stood outside of the hotel that she’d been unable to check into just last Thursday. Instead of feeling hurt and anger, she now felt trepidation and desire. She stood beside Aiden who dared her to make this reservation. She knew what he was asking of her and was only half-afraid to indulge him. The other half of her was still afraid to indulge herself. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

He looked down at her. “I think it’s a brilliant idea. We can watch a television that has more than seven channels, walk around in robes, maybe order some room service...”

She shot him a sidelong glance. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

Aiden took her by the hand and led her to the front entrance. “I think I know what you meant, Antonia,” he said as he opened the door. “But your ‘dare’ obligation has been met. You successfully booked a hotel room because I’m too intoxicated to drive us home.”

As they entered the lobby, Antonia looked him over. Aiden appeared relaxed, but it didn’t seem necessary to take the risk. “And whatever happens up there...happens?”

“Exactly.”

Antonia held her breath as they approached the front desk. Breda was there, manning the station. Oh Jesus... The young woman looked at the two of them, hands locked, and smiled brightly. “Ms. Harper! How are you?”

“I’m fine, Breda. I’d like to check in.”

“It’s nice to see you back in Clifden,” Breda said, staring at Aiden. “How was Tully Cross?”