)

"Are you almost done?" Emily asked softly. Grayson gently untied the intricate double braids in Emily's hair, his fingers skilfully undoing the knots. As he worked, he noticed the softness of her pink-blond hair and caught a whiff of herscent—a blend of strawberries and a hint of meadow.

Emily leaned back slightly, feeling the warmth of Grayson's hands and the tenderness in his touch. Her eyes fluttered close, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Next time, I'll do a simpler braid. Can't trust Thea with braids."

"Your hair is beautiful," Grayson whispered softly. "It's like cascading strands of sunlight."

Emily's heart fluttered at his words. She met his gaze, blushing, and gently reached out to touch Grayson's hair, softly stroking the silver blond strands. "And your hair is like moonlight," she whispered back.

Grayson's fingers continued their delicate dance, the weight of the puzzle momentarily forgotten as he focused on the task at hand. He took a moment to run his fingers through Emily's now loose hair, feeling the silky texture slide between his fingertips. "Done," Grayson announced softly, stepping back to admire his work. Emily's hair now cascaded freely, framing her face with a touch of natural elegance.

"It feels...alive," she murmured, her fingers caressing the soft strands. Grayson managed to suppress a smile, savoring the moment with Emily. As they stood there, basking in the quiet moment, familiar voices echoed nearby.

"Where did Grayson go?" Xander asked. "He never misses an interview."

"Focus," Thea replied. "We need to find the painting."

"The Four Brothers," Xander stated. "I bet you a scone that Jamie, Emily, and Grayson have found it already."

"I'll wager 10 scones," Thea proposed.

"Make it 20," Xander countered.

Thea's eyes narrowed. "25," she retorted sharply.

Xander paused, considering his next move. "50," he stated, his voice measured.

Thea's frustration grew evident. "55!" she exclaimed with a hint of defiance.

Xander raised the stakes. "60!" he proclaimed, determined.

Thea's voice reverberated through the air. "65!" she screamed, her determination matching his.

"Deal!"They locked eyes, shaking hands firmly, and set off towards the art gallery.

Emily's smile widened as she met Grayson's gaze, a surge of excitement coursing through her. Stepping closer until their chests lightly touched, a playful glimmer appeared in her eyes.

"I bet I can reach the painting before you," she teased, her voice brimming with playful challenge. Grayson leaned closer; he couldn't suppress his smile any longer. "You've got a 10-second head start," he replied, amusement lacing his words.

Emily's laughter filled the air as she walked backward, her hair flowing in perfect waves. "1... 2... 3..." Grayson began counting, slowly advancing toward her. Emily turned around, her gaze lingering on Grayson's gray eyes longer than intended. With a mischievous grin, she slowly ran outside toward the next room.