A bit of a fluffy chapter for you all, enjoy!

In bed with various paperwork crowding around her, Zoe sat up leaning against the headboard as she typed away on her laptop, attempting to complete the outstanding GP letters she still needed to send. Max on the other hand was flat-out, in such a deep sleep he failed to notice the many pieces of paper Zoe's had scattered over him. She'd glance down at him every so often, a smile tugging at her lips as he spoke in his sleep not understanding a word he was saying. Never did she expect things between them to progress this far but pleased they had. Although, she was still confused about what they were - a fling, dating or in an unofficial relationship? The concept of them being in a relationship secretly scared her as she worried she'd mess up or hurt him.

Rubbing her eyes, she winced as they burnt, her eyelids becoming heavier every second. Stifling a yawn, she left her laptop on the floor before wrapping herself within her dressing gown. As she entered the kitchen, she flicked the kettle on, preparing a cup of tea in the hope it would keep her awake for just a while longer. Taking a seat on the breakfast bar stool, Zoe sat patiently waiting for the boiling water, the silk of her dressing gown sliding against the leather every so often.

Cradling the steaming mug, she rested her head on the marble surface, the coldness soothing her growing headache - considering she was no longer clinical lead, it didn't appease the never-ending paper work she had to get through. Her tensed shoulders relaxed as she felt Max's hands on her, massaging gently.

"I thought you were asleep" Zoe mumbled quietly, slowly raising her head.

"I woke up as soon as you moved" Max replied, softly as he lifted her chin to look at her, "you look absolutely shattered"

"Full of compliments as ever" Zoe weakly smiled, "I look shattered because I am shattered, Max"

Tracing his fingertip along her jaw line leading to her ear, he tucked her hair behind her ear, pressing a chaste kiss into her forehead as she pulled him closer. His arms held her protectively as she rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes as the feel and sound of his heart beating soothed her. Pulling back, Zoe reached up to kiss him before taking a sip of her tea as Max sat opposite her.

"Is it just work stressing you out or?" Max asked concerned but not wanting to push her for an answer.

She shook her head, "it's just work, nothing else"

"Sure?"

"Yeah" She flashed him a wink, making his heart skip a beat - only she could bring out those kind of feelings in him. A comfortable silence fell between them before Zoe spoke, "Max" his eyes connected with hers, his ears hypnotised by her every word, "what are we? I mean, a fling or more?"

"Well I thought you were my secret girlfriend" he replied, as Zoe bite her lip as she attempted to hide the beaming smile that threatened to show, "that's if you want to be" he quickly added after assuming he'd jumped to the wrong conclusion, casually drinking the rest of her tea.

"I feel honoured" Zoe laughed, "I get to be Max Walker's girlfriend"

"Every girls dream, right?" he said, his voice tone confident than cocky, "does this mean I get to say I'm in a relationship with a senior consultant?"

"Yes, but leave out the senior bit - it makes me sound old" Zoe gave a hearty chuckle as Max laughed with her. To him, she was perfect; beautiful, intelligent and funny - his perfect woman. "Come on, let's get some sleep" she said, jumping from the stool as she flicked the kitchen light off, taking his hand leading him to bed where they peacefully, sleep quickly overcoming both.

I've got a small twist coming up in the next couple of chapters so keep reading, also, thanks for all of your reviews! x