I wouldn’t assume it was purposeful. I had a Love Avoidants friend who wouldn’t make a date until the last minute because he couldn’t be sure he’d still want to go when the time came if he set the date days in advance.
It’s also possible that his evening just opened up suddenly.
But I do agree, there’s a risk that if you’re available for a last minute date this early, he’ll take you for granted. If you’re busy tonight he’ll get the message that you have a full life - and possibly other suitors - and he’d better step up his game.
I, like you, hate playing games, but the times when I have genuinely been unavailable have been he times when men put in more effort. They do like the chase.
