Max laid awake and smiled looking at the beautiful woman asleep next to him. They were going on holiday that day, they'd spent the previous day shopping for holiday clothes and items. Max had protested that he could buy his own clothes, Zoe disagreed telling him she should after springing the holiday on him.

He hadn't told Zoe he loved her back, did he? He thought he did, he was pretty sure but felt it was too soon to say those three words, it was like saying that the Laura relationship hadn't happened,it needed to be the right time.

They were both awaken by Zoe's alarm going off. It was a two hour drive to the airport before an 11 hour flight to the Maldives.

The morning had passed in a blur, they'd struggled to get two cases in Zoe's car, something they hadn't considered previously. It has led to a mini argument to which Max had won. By 14.30, they were sat on the plane, first class obviously, Zoe was not letting her standards drop for anybody.

The 11 hours had gone quicker than Max had thought, he was dreading the flight, he couldn't sit still for more than ten minutes on a daily basis, let alone for 11 hours.

He had been impressed with the flight, he'd eaten as much as he wanted and had a couple of drinks. Zoe had slept for a couple of hours so he'd watched a film, he couldn't sleep, he was too excited, the furthest he'd been was Spain!

"Ladies and gentlemen," the pilot had spoken over the tannoy, "we will be descending shortly and landing at Male airport. It'll be nearly 5.30am local time, just in time for sunrise. If you could all ensure your seat belts are fastened when the seatbelt sign goes on. Thank you."

Zoe grinned at Max, "nearly there!"

It was a smooth landing. Zoe had grabbed Max's hand, she hated this part. The cabin crew had informed them all that it was 5.27am, current temperature was 27 degrees.

"Wow," Max had commented. "It's hot here then?!"

"What were you expecting?" Zoe had laughed.

They'd arrived in Male and got their cases from baggage claim. It had been a quick turn around, Zoe had been surprised, she'd been waiting for her luggage in Africa for nearly an hour.

They headed outside the airport for the transfer to their island. Zoe hadn't told Max it would be by sea plane, she'd wanted to see the look on his face when it turned up.

"Zoe, look!" Max nudged her. The sun was rising.

"Wow, that's gorgeous." Zoe said. This place was going to be amazing.

"So where's the transfer?" Max asked.

Zoe looked around and smiled, she turned Max to face the sea, "I think it's just arrived."

Max was speechless. "You're kidding?"

"Not at all." The response from Zoe.

It was a ten minute transfer by plane, both Max and Zoe amazed by the beauty of the Maldives.

"Ok Miss, we are here, Baros Island."

Max and Zoe hadn't noticed they'd landed. The pilot had pointed towards the island.

Staff were at the jetty to greet them and take their cases, and led them to check in. They were then guided to their villa.

"A water villa?!" Max exclaimed. "Zo, this is amazing, it's like paradise!"

"I know! I can't get over how stunning this place is!" Zoe was like a kid at Christmas. It was so much more than she'd imagined. Max had never seen her like this, she was definitely relaxed.

They opened the door to the villa and both gasped, it was pure luxury, a four poster with Egyptian cotton bedding, petals on the bed spelling out 'welcome' and a towel swan.

Zoe had looked around the bathroom, all marble, robes hanging on the door.

"Zoe!" Max called. "Look at this!"

Zoe went to find him, he was stood on their balcony. The view was stunning. Crystal clear waters beneath them, islands in the distance. A jacuzzi placed in the corner of the wooden balcony.

"I can't thank you enough for this Zoe. I wish I could do something for you." Max told her as he put his arm

around her shoulder.

Zoe snuggled in.

"You being here is more than enough for me." Zoe told him. "I think I'm going to need a power nap."

"I think I'm going to have a wander round if that's ok?" Max replied.

"Yeah go for it." Zoe said.

"I'll see you in a bit." Max kissed her before leaving the villa. He'd had an idea and it needed to be perfect.

Max walked around the resort, there was an infinity pool in the centre, swim up bar, this was heaven. They were going to have an amazing holiday, nothing to do, nothing to worry about, just two weeks of relaxation and getting to know each other.

Max realised it was getting warmer, he should get back before he burnt, he just needed to find a staff member first. After arranging his evening, he went back to Zoe.

He tried to be quiet as he got back to the villa.

"I'm not asleep." Zoe whispered. "It's far too warm. How was the walk?"

"It was great, you need to see it all to believe it Zo. You should see the pool." Max told her.

"Shall we get some breakfast and then laze by the pool today? I don't want to move from a sun bed!" Zoe said.

"You won't need to, the staff are very attentive from what I've seen!" Max laughed.

The pair got changed into their swimming costumes before going for breakfast and a lazy day. Zoe had to stop Max from falling asleep in the sun, she knew he'd end up looking lobster like. After lunch and a couple more hours in the sun, they decided to go for an afternoon sleep before getting ready for the evening.

They managed half an hour sleep before Max couldn't keep his hands of Zoe, he liked this version of her even more so than back home. She laughed, she wore no make up, and that bikini, there were no words, she was perfect to him.

"I though we could go for a walk along the beach before dinner tonight?" Max suggested.

"Aw, that sounds like a lovely idea." Zoe replied. "I'll go and get showered."

They both got ready to go for a meal. Max wearing a shirt and tailored shorts, Zoe in a simple purple maxi dress, she had a bit of mascara on but nothing else, she knew she didn't have to plaster on her make up with Max, she felt comfortable in her own skin.

"You look lovely Zo." Max told her as he kissed her cheek.

"Thank you sir, you look good yourself." Zoe replied as her took her hand.

"Come on." Max instructed.

They walked hand in hand along the beach reflecting on their first day in paradise.

As the sun was setting, Max stopped and faced Zoe.

"Look at that. Sunrise and sunset in one day, I've never seen anything like this before, this is so perfect Zoe. And so are you." Max looked into her eyes. "If you look just behind you, you'll see a candlelit table for two. That's for us Zoe. I thought we should celebrate."

"Celebrate what?" Zoe asked.

"Us, Zo. Celebrate us." Max replied and kissed her passionately. As they broke off, he whispered in her ear. "I love you too."