She wasn't ready for that step yet.

She had too much on her plate and didn't have time to think about the next stage of their relationship.

“I want you around when I go to sleep and wake up," Gerard said, love shining in his eyes.

Lilah blushed even more at his sweet words. After thinking a bit, she promised, "I'm swamped right now. Let's discuss this later."

“Sure thing," Gerard said, grinning.

As Gerard's intense vibe eased up, Lilah said, "It's getting late, Gerard. Go get some rest."

“Walk me to the door," he requested.

Lilah thought Gerard was getting a tad clingy.

She grinned. "Alright."

Seeing him off at the door, she stood there and said, "Head back.

Get some rest..."

Mid-sentence, she felt lips on hers and cologne in the air. Her eyes widened.

After a quick smooch, Gerard stepped back, straightened up, and said, “Lilah, good night."

With that, he turned around, opened his apartment door, and went inside.

Lilah also went to bed early.

The next morning, Lilah grabbed some skincare samples from the company and went to the address Gerard had given her.

She had this plan to give the expert a call.

After a bit of thinking, she thought it'd be better to meet the expert face to face and show she was serious.

An hour later, Lilah arrived at a quiet spot in the suburbs.

The yard's walls were all decked out in red bricks.

The front gate was ajar. Lilah gently nudged it and peeped in, finding a spick-and-span courtyard.

Suddenly, dog barks burst out from one corner, making her jump.

"Don't freak out," said a woman.

After a brief pause, Lilah looked up to see an older lady, rocking a simple dress and glasses, stepping out.