The pair arrive in the hospital car park
As Zoe put on the handbrake, Max placed his hand on hers. He stared into her gleaming chestnut brown eyes before placing his lips upon hers and kissed her slowly. He loved her so much and she loved him equally. "Max, I never want to lose you. You're the best thing that has happened to me in a long long time." said Zoe.
"Oh Zo, I love you so much. I never thought I would find someone who makes me as happy as you do! I never want to lose you either." exclaimed Max, kissing her again but more passionately this time.
"Come on Mr Walker, I don't want Connie on my back again!"cried Zoe.
"Ok ok, I'm coming Mrs Walker" replied Max, winking at Zoe but it was met with a stern look.
"Woah, hold your horses! I'm still Miss Hanna and I hope to remain that way for a long time yet!" replied Zoe, jokingly. Despite her sarcastic tone, Max wasn't completely sure where he stood. He didn't understand why she was so desperate not to get married. If she really loved him then why be so aprehensive towards the thought of being with him for the rest of her life? Then it hit him. Thinking back to all of the time spent together, Max had never heard those three special words leave Zoe's mouth – 'I love you'. Due to having no reply from Max himself, Zoe realised she had been a little hasty with her reply.
"Oh Max, I'm sorry! But you know what I think of all that marriage malarky! Plus, the last time I was engaged and getting married to someone was to Nick and you know how much that screwed me up." Despite Max not knowing Zoe back then, she had filled him in on her love life and he had also heard from people within the ED. He did understand her reasons but was still a little saddened by her brisk response but he decided to put his thoughts and worries to the back of his mind and placed a kiss on her forehead before getting out of the car and began walking towards the entrance of the hospital. Zoe formed a genuine smile upon her face before touching up her make up and got out of her sleek Mercedes-Benz.
"Morning Zoe!" cried Charlie.
"Morning Charlie. Do you mind if I get on and do some admin this morning? You know, even though I'm no longer clinical lead, I have a tonne of emails I need to get through!" said Zoe.
"Go ahead! We don't seem to be particularly busy this morning in resus so I don't see a reason why not! I'll give you a buzz if we need you!" replied Charlie.
"Thanks Charlie!" answered Zoe. She walked towards her office before she caught a glimpse of Max who looked rather depressed. Concerned, Zoe signalled for him to follow her and he did as instructed and quickly shut the door behind him.
"Max, what's wrong?" asked Zoe, concerned.
"Me? Nothing! Just got an extremely busy day ahead of me! Actually, I better be getting on! I'll check in on you in a bit, love you!" cried Max, before walking out of Zoe's office. She knew he was trying to avoid her as Charlie had just told Zoe it was going to be a fairly quiet day. Zoe was utterly confused as to why Max was so distant towards her. Max, however, was saddened further as he once again lacked the response he was so desperate to hear. Was it really so difficult to say those three little words?