I've decided to write some Max/Zoe fanfic because I'm intrigued by their developing relationship. This particular fanfic is going to be snippets from their relationship as I hope it pans out. However, knowing the writers of the show, it's very unlikely that it will… Anyway! It's going to be written in a series of one shot drabbles with a mixture of romance, angst and general flirtation and some naughtiness.

Obviously, I don't own Casualty or the characters.

The first part comes pretty much straight after the episode in which Zoe kisses Max, to thank him for the flowers. Other characters will be mentioned/used.

'Morning Coffee, Paperwork and a Little Teasing'

"You look happy."

Zoe looked up, the smile she was already wearing widening in her lips as Tess came into view. Cancelling the screen on her phone, she slipped it into her jacket pocket and took a thoughtful sup of her mocha. "I am, actually."

"Any particular reason?" Tess asked, falling into stride beside her colleague as they weaved through the already bustling ED.

"Erm… that would be telling." Zoe replied, opening the door to her office as they arrived.

Tess laughed softly with a raised eyebrow. "I'm sure it would."

Winking at her colleague, she entered the confines of her office and closed the door. Dropping her bag and throwing her jacket from herself to the sofa, she sighed and edged around the desk to her office chair; The paperwork she had purposefully forgotten yesterday was still waiting for her, emails quickly began to 'ping' to her attention as she turned on the laptop and her desk phone barked at her to make her aware of missed messages; she already knew that today was going to test her patience.

Knock, Knock!

"Come in." She instructed. It seemed her staff were further going to add to the burden.

"Hi." Max said softly, entering the office and closing the door quietly behind him.

Zoe looked up at the sound of his voice and almost instantly, the smile returned to her. "Hi."

"Erm…" He trailed off, standing with uncertainty by the door. It was clear he wasn't quite sure why he had come to her office. All he did know was that he had been able to get her off his mind since last night… well since his first moment in the department actually. He had almost ran to the office when he had seen her enter, telling Robin he needed to speak to her about something work related. His sister didn't need to know about his crush on the boss.

"Is there something I can do for you?" Zoe asked, sitting back in her chair and watching him. She could tell he was clearly a little unsure. Was it mean to tease him just a little?

"I have no idea why I've come to see you." He admitted sheepishly, his eyes searching every inch of her, too scared to truly focus. He was also toying with the button on his polo shirt, unsure of how to place his hands or how to stand.

"I'm busy with paperwork and emails." She told him, trying to remain calm and pretend as if she had at least some resolve. All she could actually think about was jumping the desk and kissing him again, still able to physically feel the electricity from the kiss they had shared the very evening before.

"Oh." He replied simply, clearly surprised by her direct admission. "I'll let you get on then."

Turning he reached for the door, before twisting his waist to catch another glimpse, before turning back and pulling at the handle of the door.

"Max."

At the sound of his name on her lips, he let go of the handle and turned back once more. This time he was met with her smile, his eyes trained on her as she stood from behind the desk and sashayed toward him. Watching her with eagerness in his eyes, he moved a little to the left and perched himself on the arm of the sofa. Biting his lip, he too began to grin as she advanced and stopped between his legs. "I thought you were going to act like nothing happened." He told her quietly, and honestly.

"I haven't stopped thinking about it, actually." She replied with equal honesty. Her eyes had found his now, and they were settled, watching one and other with uncertainty but also with desire.

"I tend to have that effect on most women."

Zoe laughed at this, throwing a playful punch towards his chest. "Do you tend to buy flowers for most women?"

Max swallowed hard and shook his head. "No, I tend to save that for the one's that drive me crazy, in a good way."

Zoe leaned further in towards him at this, using her hand to steady herself upon his chest. It was apparent just how Max's breath seemed to hitch as she did so, a blush creeping a little into his cheeks. It was wonderful to see, considering just how confident he always seemed around most other women. It was apparent she really did drive him crazy… in a good way.

"You can touch me you know. I won't bite." She told him, using a lowered soft tone, laced with suggestion and flirtation.

He nodded, swallowing hard once more as he eased his arms outwards, placing a hand on either side of her lips. The warmth of her skin, and intoxicating scent of her perfume was almost too much for his resolve in that moment. "You have no idea how insane you make me, do you? I've wanted to kiss you pretty much since my first day here."

Zoe smirked. She was more than aware of just how hard he had tried to catch her attention, right from that first morning they had been introduced. Back then, he wasn't anything particularly special but she had soon gotten to know him, worn down by his care free attitude and cheeky, flirtatious ways. Rebuffing his earlier attempts to woo her, hadn't happened because she didn't want to – actually, she liked him more than she let on – but the dynamics of their professional roles always seemed to stand between them. He was indeed right about the gap that stood between consultant and porter, but upon discovering he had sent her the flowers… Well ideology and logical thinking, seemed to pale in comparison.

"It's taken you long enough to give in to me though, hasn't it?" He teased, continuing to hold her hips tightly in his hands.

"You're just very persistent it seems."

Flicking his tongue over his lips, Max nodded. "But I usually get what I want in the end."

"Hmm," Zoe began, nodding and yet smiling at his self-assured cocky response. "And what might that be?"

"Why don't you let me take you out tonight and you can find out?"

Zoe knew she should say no, not tonight, not ever actually. There was paperwork to complete, emails to answer, a board meeting to prep for tomorrow, not even beginning to think about the dangerous game she was playing by dating a colleague, very much younger than herself, who happened to be the brother of one of her young nursing staff. And yet, she couldn't quite bring herself to let the words 'not tonight' slip from her lips.

Smiling, she nodded and allowed her other hand to touch his arm. "As long as you promise to show me a good time."

Max smirked, standing from where he had been perched and releasing her hips, the pager he carried bleeping furiously. "You'll realise what you've been missing out on all this time."

With that, he was gone from the office, allowing the door to shut with a slight bang behind him, leaving Zoe momentarily stunned at the loss of his hands and presence. Dispelling a heavy breath, she dropped her body into the welcoming comfort of the sofa cushions and sat for a moment in complete silence. What had she let herself in for?