"Sounds perfect," Harper replied, her heart fluttering with anticipation. "I'll meet you there at seven." She paused, savoring the moment before adding, "I'm really looking forward to it, Nathan."
"I can hardly wait to meet your new car," Nathan teased.
Harper grinned. "Her name is Lucia, and you'd better think she's a beauty."
Nathan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You named your car? That's adorable." His voice held a mix of amusement and endearment, as if Harper's quirk had somehow made her even more charming in his eyes. The warmth in his tone carried through the phone, wrapping around Harper like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
"Hey, don't mock Lucia," Harper retorted playfully. "She might decide not to start for you someday."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Nathan said, still laughing. "I'll see you soon, Harper."
As she hung up, Harper couldn't stop smiling. She had a date with Nathan, and she was going to drive there in her beautiful new car. Things were looking up.
Harper rushed upstairs to her room, her heart racing with excitement. She flung open her closet door, rifling through her dresses until she found the perfect one - a deep gold that complemented her foxy-red hair.
Harper laid the shimmering dress carefully across her bed, smoothing out any wrinkles with her palm. The silk-blend fabric caught the mid-afternoon light streaming through her window, making the deep green shimmer.
In the bathroom, she turned the shower knobs until steam began to rise. As she stepped under the hot spray, she closed her eyes and let the water cascade over her shoulders, washing away the tension from apartment hunting and the hours spent at the auto dealership waiting on all the paperwork… and waiting…and waiting. The inn's excellent water pressure worked magic on her muscles.
Faster,Reyna complained.We want our mate.
"Patience," Harper murmured, working her favorite shampoo through her thick curls. "We want to look nice for him."
Reyna subsided, sulking.
Stepping out of the shower, Harper wrapped herself in a fluffy inn towel and started the hair dryer. She worked methodically, using her round brush to smooth her natural curls into glossy waves past her shoulders.
She kept her makeup subtle - just enough concealer to even out her fair complexion and hide the light dusting of freckles across her nose, a sweep of mascara to emphasize her amber eyes, and a touch of rose-tinted lip gloss. She didn't want to look too made up, preferring a natural appearance that wouldn't run or smear during dinner.
Look good for mate,Reyna approved as Harper studied her reflection.
Harper rolled her eyes, moving to the bed. She slipped the dress on, smoothing the smooth, shiny fabric over her slender curves.
A pair of low heels completed the outfit, adding just enough height to make her feel elegant without sacrificing comfort. Harper fastened a delicate silver necklace around her neck and slid matching earrings into place.
Turning to the mirror, she paused to stare. The woman looking back at her seemed to glow from within, happiness radiating from every pore. The prospect of seeing Nathan again had added an extra sparkle to her amber eyes.
Inside her, Reyna, her fox, was practically bouncing with joy.Mate!the fox yelped, her excitement palpable.See mate!
Harper chuckled, running a brush through her hair one last time. "Calm down, Reyna. It's just dinner."
But even as she said it, she knew it wasn't true. This was so much more than just dinner.
With a final glance in the mirror, Harper grabbed her purse and headed downstairs. She slid into Lucia's leather seat, the new car smell still lingering in the air. The engine purred to life, and Harper set off towards the restaurant, butterflies dancing in her stomach.
As Harper eased Lucia into a vacant spot in the parking lot, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Nathan waiting outside the restaurant. He cut an impressive figure, standing tall and handsome in neatly pressed dark brown pants and a cream shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean physique. The soft glow of the evening sun caught in his tousled sandy hair, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. When his eyes found her, his gaze warmed instantly, a smile spreading across his face like sunshine breaking through clouds.
Harper's breath caught in her throat, a flutter of nerves and excitement dancing in her stomach. Reyna's excited yips echoed in her mind, a chorus of "Mate! Mate!" that only intensified the butterflies. With slightly trembling hands, she smoothed down her dress and stepped out of the car, her eyes locked on Nathan's.
His eyes lit up with genuine warmth, and he stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Without a word, he gently laid his hand against her cheek, his touch soft and reverent. Harper's breath caught in her throat, her skin tingling where his fingers met her face. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the world narrowing to just the two of them.
Nathan's hand slid down to grasp hers, their fingers intertwining naturally. "Shall we?" he asked, his voice low and intimate. Harper nodded, not trusting herself to speak.Together, they walked into the restaurant, the warmth of Nathan's hand in hers a comforting anchor.
They studied their menus, trading glances that made Harper's heart flutter and her neck flush. Candlelight danced across Nathan's features. After they ordered their meals, he leaned in, brown eyes bright with interest. "So, how did your apartment hunting go?" he asked.
Harper perked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, it went really well!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I put in an application for this lovely place. It's an upstairs apartment with the most beautiful view of the woods." Her gaze drifted momentarily, as if picturing the scene in her mind. "The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating this magical dappled effect on the floor. I'm hoping to hear back tomorrow if I'm accepted."
Nathan listened intently, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest as Harper described her potential new home.
