Chapter 77

ANASTASIA MULBERRY

She bit her lip and glanced down at her phone, genuinely considering faking an excuse and cancelling last minute. Despite how excited she had initially been when they had set up the plans for tonight, as the hour now loomed over her head, Anastasia couldn’t help but feel that it wasn’t right.

Even though her mate was such a dick and definitely deserved this and so much more for what he had done, she couldn’t help to think that this was cruel; seeing someone else when she already had a mate.

But just as Justas had hinted, she would no longer have to worry about such a thing if she simply rejected him however, thinking like that just made her feel sick to the stomach.

Even though his horrid behaviour warranted such a despicable response, Anastasia just couldn’t bring herself to even think about it. Despite everything, they were still mates – something which she had scarcely hoped she would be blessed with but never thought it to be actually possible – and it would be a slap in face that was the sanctity of mates and the Moon Goddess’ pairing; something which she held high respect for. However, that didn’t mean that she was ready forgive him. Far from it, actually.

No, if he truly wanted to be forgiven then he would simply have to earn it.

When her phone chimed in her hands, Anastasia blinked out of her daze and glanced down at the notification that now highlighted her screen.

I’m really looking forward to tonight.

What kind of wine do you like?

She chewed her bottom lip, mulling over the prospect of texting him back now and cancelling their stay-in dinner plans but the longer she stared down at the words, the more determined she became that she was in fact doing the right thing.

If he didn’t deem her worthy enough of being his mate, then he wasn’t worthy enough to be hers.

Champagne would be great.

Or red.

Whichever one you prefer.

A small laugh sounded from her as her phone pinged instantly.

Champagne it is!

I’ll see you at 7.

Anastasia hummed quietly as she dropped her phone on the sofa and rose to her feet, needing to get ready before Harvey came over since there was only about a half hour left until she was expecting him.

While they had both agreed that this was nothing more than two friends catching up over dinner – albeit, Harvey more begrudgingly than her – she didn’t want to come off as a slob, especially since in the short amount of time that she had known and seen Harvey, she had been dressed in rather comfortable clothes that were far from flattering or attractive.

As she had already showered that morning, Anastasia simply washed her face, applied a light layer of some concealer, bronzer, lip gloss, mascara and brushed some gel through her naturally full eyebrows before slipping a full-sleeved turquoise ruched dress that stopped about mid-thigh. Since they were nearing the end of fall and the beginning of winter, she thought it best to slip on a pair of low count denier tights, forgoing any footwear as they wouldn’t be leaving the house.

Just as she finished smoothing her hands down her dress, the sound of the doorbell ringing filled her house.

Not wanting to leave him waiting out in the cold, she rushed down the stairs, through the living and down the hallway to reach the door, only stopping for a few seconds to catch her breath and further compose herself before she reached for the door handle.

“I had a terrible feeling you were going to cancel last minute, so I thought I’d show up early.” Harvey grinned at her in greeting as she opened the door, a large bouquet of red roses, a tall bottle of champagne and their takeaway dinner in his arms.

“I was just about to text you.” Anastasia grinned cheekily as she opened the door further to invite him in.

When Harvey handed her the flowers as well as a box of chocolates she hadn’t noticed earlier, her expression softened and she thanked him graciously with a kiss on the cheek before leading him down the hallway and into the kitchen where they would be enjoying their meal.

“Well, with the way you look tonight, I can only assume that you have a hot date planned.”

“I was keeping you around as a second option, you see.” She shot him a cheeky grin over her shoulder as she reached for a vase in one of the kitchen cabinets before moving to fill it with water for the roses. “If he cancelled on me, at least I would still have you to fall back on and tonight wouldn’t be a complete waste.”

“I’m glad to be of service then.” Harvey chuckled as he placed the champagne and bag of food down on the dining table, shooting her a grin as she grabbed some plates and wine glasses for the both of them.

“I have to admit,” Anastasia began as she pulled out a chair for herself and took a seat, allowing him to unbox all the food since he had been kind enough to pick up dinner for the both of them; opting for a mix of Asian and Italian cuisine since neither of them could decide. While he did that, she decided to pop the champagne and pour both of them a glass. “I never thought we’d actually go through with this.”

“With dinner?” He asked as he took a seat, helping himself to some rice while Anastasia decided to start off with some tomato pasta.

She nodded her head in confirmation.

“I’m not going to lie. I didn’t think it would actually happen either. Not with the way you’ve been brushing me off since the first time I tried to get you to agree to go out on a date with me.” Harvey chuckled. “What made you change your mind?”

“I don’t know.” Anastasia shrugged as the lie passed her lips, expertly covering it up as she took a generous sip of the champagne, trying to buy herself some time to think of a valid and believable excuse. “I kind of felt bad for turning you down all the time.”

“Ah, don’t tell me this is a pity date.” Harvey chuckled even though she could tell that he was genuinely worried that, that was exactly what this was.

“It can’t be a date since we agreed that we’re just friends.” She sent him a pointed look, her lips curling up into a small smile.

“For now.” He replied unabashed, his lips stretching into a wide grin as she didn’t deny him.

“We’ll see about that.” She hummed aloud. “How was your day? How was work?”

“Work’s good. There’s been more cars than usual come in this week so that’s been keeping me busy, but it’s all good fun. I love spending time under the hood.” Harvey grinned.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Her lips twitched at the corners slightly as she caught the underlying meaning of his last statement, not sure if he had intentionally made an innuendo or not. Either way, she laughed softly and chose to ignore it, not looking to encourage him since she was still unsure of whether she was looking to purse something more with him or not.