Max slipped out of bed without waking Zoe. It was hard to leave her there without taking time to simply embrace her, and snuggle with her before starting his workday. Then again, it wouldn’t have stopped at only a cuddle. Things were at a spicy hot level between them, and he was loving the change in his life. He dressed in his usual style of work clothes for the farm—jeans, shirt with the sleeves rolled up, thick woolen socks. His work boots by the backdoor ready for him when he left to start the day.
He needed to go to the far section of the property to check the water levels in the troughs for the cattle. It was summer and it was hot, so he didn’t want to risk losing stock from a lack of water. The water reserves were low, but not to the point where they wouldn’t make it through to winter without having to buy water in.
He glanced over his shoulder as he walked to the door. Zoe hadn’t stirred. She wore long cotton pants with a paisley design, and a singlet top. The sheets were kicked off as the night hadn’t cooled to warrant the extra layers. She slept stretched out, slightly on one side, hair messy from sleep, a peaceful expression on her face, and a hand on her belly. What he enjoyed seeing was the little bump of life that was silently growing inside of her. They might not have planned this pregnancy or followed the traditional relationship steps—dating, getting to know each other, trailing living together, then marriage—before starting a family, but he was glad they’d jumped ahead.
Zoe moved.
Max quickly stepped out of the room, leaving her to sleep. He had to get up but she didn’t. He felt like he was doing his bit by letting her rest.
In the kitchen, he took out a bowl, filled it with some cereal, then poured cold full cream milk over it. He flicked the kettle on to boil and sat at the table to eat.
Max couldn’t believe that Zoe, who was so much younger than he was, could get under his skin like she did. How she’d somehow gotten him to open his heart again after his failed marriage. He never thought he’d have a woman living with him again, let alone one who was carrying their child.
His life had changed so much since the Adelaide Show in September, then again when Zoe had braved driving to his farm in October to tell him she was pregnant. He remembered that day well. How this little city car, totally not built for the rough dirt roads out here, had come bumping along the driveway to his farm. Then seeing her get out, looking hot and sexy, it was a sight to behold. He’d thought he would never see her again, let alone what she was about to tell him. On that day she’d made him a happy man with her news.
Knowing he was going to be a father in a few months kept him working hard on the farm. He wanted things to get into shape before the little bundle arrived, and to get some money flowing. He also needed to tick off the small jobs which had been mounting up. He planned to be a hands-on dad, as much as the farm would let him be, and he wanted to be there for Zoe. She’d risked so much by moving in with him, he felt like it was the least he could do. He wanted her to feel like this was her home too.
It had been only a few weeks since she’d made the move, and he couldn’t believe how easily she took such a significant change in her life. Especially when he was still to have the internet upgraded, so she could work more easily and efficiently online. And she was making do with the furniture he had in the place. There was so much that needed to be done to accommodate Zoe, and also for when the baby arrived. He didn’t want her to lift a finger, but then again, he couldn’t exactly get things done because of his workload on the farm.
What he had decided was to sell a load of beef cattle. They were looking strong and ready. That was going to be his Christmas gift to Zoe. The money from selling the truckload of cattle could go toward preparing the baby’s room and making changes in the house so she could feel at home. He just needed to give the cattle another week, maybe two, so they put on a bit more condition, and he could get a better price at market. Ordinarily, he would’ve kept them longer, watched the market prices, and avoid selling around Christmas when things were a bit quiet and prices were usually low. Max had decided it was far more important he got some money together, so Zoe could start decorating. He hoped it would also help to give her a purpose during the day. He was worried about how much time she was spending alone. It reminded him, he was going to get his mom to drop in and visit a little more often. She was, of course, super excited with the news, and it was because of her pushing that he was now selling part of his herd.
“Morning.” Zoe looked half asleep as she walked into the kitchen, bare feet, her pajama top was pulled tight emphasizing her growing breasts, and her baby bump. He had to admit he quite enjoyed seeing her blossoming. It made him want her more. He felt himself beginning to respond simply from seeing her approach.
“Morning.”
“What are you doing today?” she asked.
“Going out to check the water.”
“Can I go with you?” asked Zoe. She plonked herself on the chair opposite him, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
Max bit his tongue. He wanted Zoe to go with him, she had been out with him a few times, but there was also this overprotective part of him that wanted her to stay in the house. It was safe there. Out on the farm there was so many risks.
“I’ll just sit in the ute,” said Zoe.
Max looked at her. He couldn’t resist the puppy dog expression she put on for his benefit. “As long as you’re careful.”
“Of course, I will be.”
“I don’t want anything to happen to you, or the baby.”
She rolled her eyes dramatically. “It won’t. Besides… is your farm like super dangerous or something?”
“No, it’s just a normal farm and well, things can go wrong, and accidents happen. There’s big machinery and animals after all.”
“Then stop worrying.”
“I don’t think I can,” he admitted.
“I’ll go get dressed. Don’t you leave without me.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He watched her get up, unsure how she’d managed to know what he was partly considering. It was rude of him to leave her behind, but he had considered going quickly right now. He would’ve done it under the pretense of keeping her safe and sound at home.
“Yeah, you would.” Zoe turned back to face him. She pointed her finger and the glare on her face sent a shiver of pleasure down his spine. She had no fear of standing up to him and letting him know her mind.
He loved it.
Secretly.
