Free Sweet Thursday by Mari Carr Page B

dance either and I’m not exactly Madonna, but I watched MTV the last couple of nights and I think I’ve figured a few things out.”
    “You watched MTV? For me?” He smiled at the idea of Lily studying the concept of dancing just to help him.
    “It’s senior prom, Justin. There’s no way I’m gonna let you go in there doing those stupid lawnmower and sprinklers moves.”
    “They’re funny.”
    “Just watch me.” She pushed play and a fast song with a super-strong beat started pulsing through the room. Lily began moving to the music and after a few songs and a lot of laughter, Justin felt as if he’d actually be able to dance at prom without embarrassing himself.
    “Now for the slow songs,” she said.
    Justin grinned. “Slow songs are easy. You just wrap your arms around the girl and cop as many feels as you can in three minutes.”
    Lily rolled her eyes. “Well, I guess we can skip that part of the lesson then.”
    He shook his head. “No, I’m not sure we can. I think maybe I should teach you how to defend yourself during a slow dance.”
    “I don’t think I have to worry about anybody asking me for a slow dance.”
    “Why not?”
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    “I don’t have a date for prom, remember? I wouldn’t be going at all except you and K are making me.”
    Justin pointed to the CD player. “Put the song on, Lil.”
    She pushed play and Aerosmith came through the speakers. He walked over and smiled when she blushed. “Okay, put your hands around my neck.” She did and he shook his head at how she was touching him and still managing to keep five feet between them. He gripped her waist and pulled her body against his. She gasped at the closeness, but he ignored her and started swaying.

    He’d intended to tease her as they danced, pretending to grope her while instructing her on how to fend him off, but the second they’d started dancing, he’d forgotten the joke and instead they’d just moved in time to the song.
    It was the only time he’d ever danced with Lily and he was surprised now to realize he could remember the moment so vividly. Steven Tyler’s lyrics had been right. He didn’t want to miss a thing. And apparently, dancing with Lily in his living room, he hadn’t.
    He watched her sleep and marveled over how amazing the night had been, then he chuckled silently thinking about how their goals—though completely opposite—had led them both to this same place. While Lily wanted to explore her naughty nature, take a walk on the wild side, he’d been thinking lately he should settle down, find a nice girl and try to become a better person. Talk about irony.
    She shifted a little and Justin felt Killian stir, watched as his friend opened his eyes, taking the same stock of his surroundings that he’d just taken.
    “She’s still here,” Justin whispered.
    Killian grinned. “So she is.”
    “Where else would she be? You guys wouldn’t let me bring my car.” Lily lifted her head, her sleepy look twisting something inside Justin.
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    Killian leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder. “You don’t need your car. We’re not finished with you yet.”
    “You ready for round three?” Justin asked with a grin. “You sort of conked out on us after round two.”
    She looked over her shoulder at Killian before turning back to him. “What did you have in mind?”
    Justin caught Killian’s gaze, wondering if his friend was hoping for the same thing he was. In all their years of playing at threesomes, there was one position they’d never tried, never even suggested. With the other women, he’d never wanted to go that far, but now, with Lily, he wanted it more than his next breath.
    “How familiar are you with anal play?”
    Lily noticeably stiffened and Killian frowned. “Justin—” he started, but Lily cut him off.
    “Do you want the truth?” she asked.
    Justin scowled. “Of course I want the truth. Don’t ever tell me something just because you think