249 She's off limits

Emily watched as Raylen meticulously wiped the last spot on the back of her hand, his movements precise and focused. Once he was satisfied with the cleaning, he casually tossed his handkerchief aside. 

Raylen murmured, "Much better now." He lifted his gaze, locking it onto her hazel brown eyes. "Now," he added with a playful tone, "where is my gift?"

"I haven't even offered you my wishes yet," Emily reminded him, to which he responded with a nod. 

Raylen's smile widened, his eyes crinkling warmly at the corners as he remarked, "Well, there's no need to wait any longer then, is there?"

Emily couldn't help but note the stark difference in his demeanour compared to their earlier encounter in the hall when she had stopped him to speak. With his attention completely on her, she cleared her throat while he patiently awaited her words. 

"Happy birthday, Raylen," Emily wished him, and she noticed a frown forming on Raylen's face.