Page 69

33

Sweater Seduction

Boston, MA

Will

Louisa and Rachel decided to host a Christmas party at their studio for our combined friend groups as soon as exam week was over. Hasan mentioned that a guy they went to school with was going to be there and that Lou was dreading it. But after Eilidh put the idea of her dating in my head, I’d convinced myself it must be the case. Everything felt like confirmation.

I should’ve just fucking asked her, but I was a pussy.

Maybe ye don’t want to know, lad.

Louisa’s place was literally a warehouse with a tent in it, but holiday parties are always a little dressier, so even though I was running late, I threw a sweater on before I came.

I walked in with a bottle of wine and her eyes lit up when she saw me. I felt like a million bucks.

“You look so nice,” she squeaked as she walked toward me.

“He looks like a fuckin’ nerd in that sweater,” Miller yelled over his shoulder.

“A hot nerd,” she said quietly, blushing.

Well, that’s fucking cute.

I bent to kiss the cheek she offered. “You look pretty nice yourself, sis.”

Understatement of the Year. Louisa Ford was a goddamn knockout in a green velvet top and creamy pants. She looked like Santa’s sidepiece—extremely tempting. She was all Isa tonight.

Some dickwad I didn’t recognize sidled up next to her, and I held out a hand to introduce myself.

“I’m Will. You must be Tim.” I made that up.

“Uh, no. I’m Scott,” he said, shaking my hand weakly.

“Oh shit, my bad.” I squeezed the fuck out of his hand and grinned as I let go. Louisa’s eyes narrowed, but I didn’t care. She appreciated the hustle.

“How do you know everyone here?” I asked him.

“Isa and I—‘’ he started, but Lou cut in.

“We had a single class together three years ago and somehow we still hang out a few times a year…” she said with an exaggerated shrug. She was telling me something. I raised an eyebrow to confirm. The tiniest nod from her and I leaned in.

“You got a thing for my girl, Scott?”

Louisa’s eyes got huge with surprise and then a devilish smile spread across her face.

“Uh, what? I—‘’ he stammered.

“It’s okay if you do, man. I wouldn’t blame you. I’m just wondering what you think is going to happen tonight, because I’m here to make sure it doesn’t go your way.”

“Scott’s just a friend, Will.” She pretended to soothe, patting my chest. “He’s only ever just been a friend,” she added pointedly.

“Yeah, that’s true. We’re just friends, man.” Scott nodded nervously.

“Oh, good. See my girl likes my sweater and I was worried we’d end up ruining it.” I gave him a big toothy smile. “Right, baby?”

I looked down at Louisa’s laughing eyes, her hand was still on my chest, tucked up against me. I kissed her nose before I could stop myself and she blinked, cheeks flushing instantly. I think we both forgot about Tim until he mumbled something about catching up with Rachel and broke the spell between us.