Jeremy raced up the stairs to his room, where he carefully unfolded the violet gown and laid it on the bed. The water in the bowl was warm, thanks to Jo, and he sent her a silent message of thanks. He undressed and washed carefully, slid into the gown, and pinned his hair back. He pinched his cheeks and then sat on the bed in what he hoped was an alluring manner. Decided it looked silly so stood by the bedpost, one hand on it and the other on his hip. He fidgeted, and then felt ridiculous. He could hear footsteps. He panicked a little, wondering if David would even want him like this, but he seemed to like it before, so Jeremy just sat in the chair by the fire, held his knees together, and folded his hands on his lap. The candlelight in the room cast him in a warm glow along with the blaze
