He passed Lilah the expert's phone number.

Glancing at the contact on her phone, Lilah asked in surprise, “Gerard, how do you know her?"

Lilah had heard of the female expert.

This expert had evaluated numerous brands and never trashed any without good reason.

Many skincare companies tried to woo her with hefty paychecks but she turned them down.

Lilah knew Gerard had clout and connections but this expert had an eccentric personality, and no one could easily get her help.

That was why Lilah was curious.

With a grin, Gerard said, "She works for me but only holds a position in the group. She shows up at the company when something crucial is going down."

Lilah felt a weight off her shoulders.

Gerard's power and the fact that the expert worked for the Harris Group didn't surprise her.

“Why's she working for you? People say she's got a quirky temperament and many failed to hire her," Lilah asked, curiosity piqued.

With a twinkle in his eyes, Gerard patiently explained, “Walter brought her into my team. She's skilled but not enough for me to personally recruit her. When you see her tomorrow, mention that I sent you. She'll help you out."

Grateful, Lilah said, “Thanks, Gerard.”

"I want your thanks in a different way," Gerard teased.

They'd been a couple for nearly a year and were still living apart.

When would they tie the knot?

Puzzled, Lilah cocked her head and questioned, "How should I show my gratitude? Maybe treating you to dinner or whipping up a meal for you?"

Gerard inched so near that he caught a whiff of her fragrance.

Instantly at ease, he responded, “I want you to move in with me and our son."

Lilah and Gerard sometimes lived together but mostly she stuck to her own place.

Before they'd lived together, Gerard could keep it together, but now he was used to Lilah snoozing beside him; without her, he struggled to sleep.

When Gerard came close, Lilah's heart raced. Her face turned as red as a tomato.

She tried to play it cool, leaned back, and looked into his eyes.

Softly, she said, “Our apartments are close. Aren't we practically living together?"