AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter is rated M.

Teaming Up

Chapter 7

RESOLUTIONS

New Year's Eve

Zed could sense Addison's presence before he could even see her. He turned, scanning the room, to find her making her way to the bar. He grabbed two champagne flutes and headed towards her, hoping to intercept.

"You look amazing," he said, dropping a kiss to her cheek and handing her a flute.

Amazing was perhaps an understatement. Her dress floated around her the way Marilyn Monroe's did over the subway vent. But Addison's dress was a brilliant shade of turquoise blue… the kind of blue that made him think of beaches and snorkeling… and skinny dipping.

"Thank you," she murmured, pink staining her cheeks. "And thank you for inviting me."

It had been a totally spur of the moment decision to invite the team to his families annual New Year's Eve bash, but with everything that had happened to the team, and their community service finally coming to an end, this was going to be a way for them to start over together.

"The whole team's here. It wouldn't be right to ring in the new year without you."

He ushered her past the packed dance floor and over to a high top where the team was hanging out. The guys let out a series of low whistles when they saw Addison.

"Damn, Addie, you clean up well!" Tracey gushed.

"Promise you'll save me a dance?" Jacey added.

Hot green poison filled Zed's stomach, but he forced himself to let it go. They were just looking after her, which is what he should be doing too, if he wasn't all tied up in knots.

Addison looked around the group, then back to Zed. "Where's Wyatt?"

Zed let out a sigh. Leave it to Addie to not miss a thing. "He's been laying low since everything blew up."

Addison gave a sympathetic nod. "It sucks when you lose almost everything."

She spoke like she'd been there before, and he wanted to get her to a quiet place and find out why. Even after months of regular nightly phone calls, she still played most of her cards close to the vest. And with the exception of their Thanksgiving drive out to Shoreline when e grilled her about her childhood, she'd only offered up small glimpses of her private life. But he hadn't been much better. He hadn't shared anything deeply personal either… Maybe that could change tonight?

Addison smiled brightly. "Have you guys thought any more about nominating Wy for an executive position in that stupid frat you all are in now?"

"We've asked him before," Bonzo said with a shake of his head. "Answer's always been the same… He doesn't want the added responsibility."

"Maybe it'll be different this time," she suggested. "You know, New Year, New You?"

"I like it," Tracey said. "We could all make New Year New You resolutions."

"I hate resolutions," Zed growled, draining his champagne. "Terrible idea."

"Oh?" Addison answered with a grin. "Too far outside of your comfort zone?"

"I think they're great for goal-setting," Jacey chimed in.

"Sure, if you need that kind of thing," Zed agreed with a shrug. "But I set goals all the time. I don't need New Year's Eve to do it."

Bonzo eyed him. "I think it's too personal for you."

He wasn't wrong. Zed could already feel the discomfort brewing in his gut. If he had a goal, and he wasn't saying he did, it would be to end the crazy chemistry between him and Addie once and for all. Scratch the itch and move on. She'd had his cock in irons for months. That shit was going to end tonight. But he knew the team would eat him alive if he confessed it. He changed the subject quickly. "I don't need a resolution, because I'm happy with my life."

Bonzo laughed. "You've been celibate all semester and you're happy about it?"

Jacey perked up. "What's this? Zed Casanova Necrodopolus has been celibate? How in the hell have I missed this?"

Addison's shoulders shook with silent laughter as she pretended to be very interested in her empty glass.

"When was the last time you saw him with an arm draped around a boat bunny?" Bonzo pressed. "I want to know what kind of deep zen enlightenment you've achieved by keeping your dick under wraps."

"Wait, did you say all semester?" Tracey asked. "For real?"

A quiet giggle escaped from Bree's mouth, earning her a glare from Addison.

"So that's why we've been having our best year ever," Tracey added. "You had a bad case of blue balls."

"I wondered why our speed was phenomenal this year," Jacey said. "Maybe I should give up sex too."

"No," Zed said too sharply. "That's a dumb idea. I only did it because… because I bet I could. But that deal's off." He swung his gaze to Addison who quickly looked away. "No more one-night stands. I'm holding out for the real deal."

Bonzo swept his hand across the room. "Good luck with that. I bet any single woman, and a lot of the married ones would happily help you discover the real deal," he snickered and lifted his glass high in a mock toast. "Take your pick."

Addison came to Zed's rescue. "Guys. You haven't been winning because Necrodopolus has been keeping his dick tucked in. You're winning because you're an amazing team. And if you want to continue to win, everyone is going to have to up their game." She looked at each of them. "Starting first thing tomorrow. We've only got two weeks until we're back at Harvard and you know those guys will be gunning for us. They're pissed as hell that you bunch of cocky bastards stole the trophy at their last regatta."

"Earned it," Jacey growled.

"Of course you earned it, but they'll always think it was rightfully theirs." She gave them all her don't fuck with me stare. "Don't hit the champagne too hard tonight. We're in the gym tomorrow at seven-thirty."

The guys groaned.

"Hey, New Year, New Team," she said with a grin. "Trace, why don't you ask me to dance? We can gossip about my cousin while the rest of the guys cry into their drinks about tomorrow morning."

Zed resisted the urge to go all caveman as Tracey ushered Addison out to the dance floor. He made up his mind right then and there, that he'd be kissing her at the stroke of midnight. Come hell or high water.

ZzZzZzZzZzZ

It was nearly eleven-thirty. Addison had taken rounds on the dance floor with everyone but Zed. Her eyes were bright with excitement, and something tugged deep inside of him. She looked almost… happy. Maybe it was the champagne, or the plans being made for the second half of the season, whatever it was, it radiated from her like sunshine sparkling on the lake. She caught his eye and smiled as she floated by in the arms of one of his father's employees. Evan was a good guy. Not too much older than they were. The kind of guy you bring home to your mother… Zed was having none of that. No sirree. He put down his drink and made a beeline for the dance floor. He was in position the next time they circled around, and he tapped Evan's shoulder. "May I?"

Evan looked chagrined when he saw who it was. "I can't exactly say no to the bosses son, can I?"

"Not this time."

"Thank you Evan. It was nice to meet you," Addison said with a smile that would give any guy a boner.

"The pleasure's all mine. See you around, Addison?"

Heat coiled in Zed's stomach. The way he said her name made his blood curdle.

She nodded, slipping into Zed's arms just as the music began to slow, and the singer began to croon the opening lines of At Last. His hand landed on the small of her back, and he pulled her in close. "You've been having fun this evening."

She tilted her head up. "I haven't had this much fun since… I don't know when."

"Good. I think you work too hard."

"Cute, coming from the man who thinks four hours is a good night's sleep."

"Work hard, play hard."

"Indeed." Her eyelashes fluttered down.

There was so much he wanted to say to her, and he didn't know where to begin. He settled for the feel of her pressed against him, for the way her tiny hand encased his own. At the high point of the song, she glanced up, face unguarded for once. His mouth ran dry from the wanting, the longing. "Addison…" his voice came out choked.

"Yes?" He could hear the breathless anticipation in her voice, so much emotion. As if she'd been longing, too."

"I still want to kiss you," he murmured, voice dropping even lower.

She bit down on her lower lip before glancing away. Her cheeks flush bright red, and he could swear he felt her nipples puckering against his chest. She nodded. "I think we need to talk."

"I'm not interested in talk right now."

"I'm not either, but we need to."

That… wasn't the answer he was expecting. Hope surged through him, and he lead them to the far corner of the dance floor, away from the prying eyes of the team. "Come upstairs with me?"

She nodded and let him lead her to the service exit. They slipped down the deserted hallway of the hotel to the main bank of elevators, their echoing footsteps the only sound between them. He punched the call button, still holding onto her hand like it was his fucking lifeline. His heart thumped loudly in his ears. They stepped into the elevator, and the door shut behind them with a whoosh. If he were less of a gentleman, he'd have kissed her senseless right there. But he wanted to hear her out… and honestly, what was a few more moments of torture?

Addison sucked in a breath as the doors opened to the hotel suite. It took up half the top floor. "Wow… this is quite the room."

Zed smiled. "Perks of knowing the owner… nightcap?" he offered, moving to the wetbar.

"Sure." She kicked off her shoes and followed him.

"What's your poison?"

She cleared her throat, and he could swear she muttered you under her breath. "I'll have what you're having."

"How about this?" he pulled out a bottle of 2015 Cote Rotie. "It's always good for a special occasion."

"Sounds perfect," she said lightly, settling herself in on the big leather couch that took up one wall of the suite.

He joined her and handed her a glass. "New year, new you." Their glasses clink and they each took a sip.

"Mmm, delicious." Her eyes shut as she savored the flavor. Zed watched, rapt, as she swallowed. She was the very embodiment of sensuality.

"I surrender," he said hoarsely, unable to take it any longer. "You made your point, and just like I said downstairs, this stupid bet is off."

Addison's eyes flew open. "Why? What changed?"

Everything. Couldn't she see that? "What changed, Addison, is that I'm uninterested in anyone but you. I go to sleep thinking about you, you interrupt my thoughts during the day. I wake up with your name on my tongue. Every time something good happens, you're the first person I think of telling. I want to kiss you, I want to get down and dirty with you, I want to know what you look like when you climax, and for fuck's sake… I want to know how in the hell you got that scar over your left eyebrow."

She stared at him for a full second before bursting into laughter. Not exactly the response he was hoping for. His stomach began to sink. But, in true Addie fashion, she could be counted on to always fo the unexpected. She took his glass and placed it on the coffee table next to hers, then climbed onto his lap and began to loosen his tie. "I got the scar when Bucky through a Barbie doll at me." She pulled his tie off and folded it neatly, setting it aside before attacking the top button of his shirt.

"Addison…" his voice was full of gravel. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" she teased with a flirty smile.

His cock was hard beneath her, hotter than a three-alarm fire. "Are you sure?"

"Mmm, most definitely," she said with a nod.

"Nut I thought you wanted to talk."

Her hands stopped moving. "Do you really want to talk?"

"No, but…"

"Then shut up and kiss me," she whispered lowering her head.

She didn't need to ask twice. If there was one thing he knew he was good at, it was seizing an opportunity. This opportunity may never come again, and he sure as hell was not going to miss it. Her lips were soft against his, sweetly sensuous, and so so much more amazing than he'd imagined. Her kiss set off a raging inferno inside him, like a spark to gasoline. His thighs tensed, every neuron in his body fired. With a moan, he wrapped his arms around her and took over the kiss. He flicked his tongue across her lower lip, and her mouth opened with a sigh, tongue meeting his stroke for stroke. She tasted like wine and sunshine, and the promise of unending bliss. He was hungry for so much more of her, but it had been so long since he'd kissed anyone that he was content to make out on the couch for as long as she liked.

ZzZzZzZzZzZ

He wasn't sure how long they stayed there, lip-locked. They were both breathless when they finally pulled apart, and he dimly registered the sounds of fireworks outside the building. "Happy New Year," he mumbled thickly.

"Happy New Year," she whispered back, mouth still pressed against his. She kissed him again, hot and sweet, and it was better than any high he had ever experienced. His eyes about rolled back into his head when he rocked his erection against her, and she grinded back.

"God, Addison," he said when they part again. "What do you want from me?" He half expected her to climb off and walk away.

"I want my one night," she said breathlessly, dropping her mouth to the hollow of his neck and gently biting. Lust ripped through him, and god help him, he wanted her to bite again.

"Are you drunk?"

She bit down again, and his cock jerked beneath her. He knew she could feel it, because she rocked against him, harder this time. "Nope… definitely not drunk."

"Why? Why now?"

She braced a hand against his shoulder and pushed herself away. Her eyes were bright, glazed with raw heat. "Because I've had a crush on you since forever, and this year I'm doing things differently."

His head snapped back, and he couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. How did he miss that? He could tell she wanted him after he told her he wanted to kiss her, but before? Ho could he have been so blind?

"You sure about this?"

She leaned in a took his mouth in a slow, hot kiss. He could barely breathe from the exquisiteness of it. "I'm very sure," she whispered once she pulled back. "I've wanted this… I've wanted you for a very long time."

Her confession hit him hard. He didn't feel worthy of her deep affection. He hadn't done anything to deserve it. Yet it was there. And suddenly, the stakes felt a whole lot higher than a one-night-stand. This was Addie… his confidante, his teammate, and fellow ass-kicker. He wanted to give her everything she had ever fantasized about and then some.

"I don't want to break you," he blurt out.

"You won't… but I might break you."

Her words brought sweet relief. He knew he couldn't be broken. His hands thread through her hair and he nipped at her lower lip. "I promise I'll make this good." God, he'd give her anything she asked for.

Addison gave him a soft smile. "I'm banking on it, hot stuff." Her mouth was on his while her hands fiddled with the rest of the buttons on his shirt. Her touch was as confidant as her mouth, and Zed couldn't help the groan that escaped when her fingernails scraped across his chest.

He flexed his fingers into her scalp, loving the feel of her silky white hair sliding through his hands. He could fucking kiss her mouth all night long. His hand ran down the column of her neck, down the exposed skin of her back, and back up to the clasp of her halter. He made short work of it, and the front of her dress fell away.

Zed sucked in a harsh breath. Her tits were even more perfect than he remembered. "You're so fucking gorgeous, Addie," he said on a ragged breath. He brushed his thumb across her nipple, delighting in the way it puckered and made goosebumps rise across her skin.

Addison moaned at the feel of his mouth on her, lapping and swirling his tongue over the hard peak of her nipple. He moved to the other, making her arch her back and pull him into her harder. He continued to go back and forth until her breath was coming in short gasps. He looked up and their eyes locked. She flashed him the most wickedly delighted grin. If she were going to hell, at least she knew she'd enjoy the ride.

As he watched the smile spread across her face, Zed swallowed loudly. If he weren't a goner before, he was now, because holy hell was that look hot as fuck. He wrapped his arms tight around her and stood up. Her legs wrapped around his hips as he strode to the bedroom. Gently, he placed her on the edge of the bed and dropped to his knees. She gave him a look of hungry anticipation and opened her knees with a flick of her eyebrows. The scent of her arousal filled his nostrils. It was heady as fuck, better than any adrenaline high. His hands trembled ever so slightly as he pushed up the soft material of her dress, exposing her thighs. "Lean back," he commanded, his voice full of gravel. She dropped back to her elbows, her eyes fixed on him.

His shoulders shook with silent laughter. Of course, she was a watcher. He liked that. For some reason, it turned him on even more. It also strengthened his resolve to give her one mind-blowing orgasm after another. He slid the palm of his hand up her thigh, reveling in the soft as silk feel of her skin. Anticipation rose with him. His other hand took the same path, and he pressed against her inner thighs, thumbs caressing the crease where her legs met her torso. She let out a tiny sigh making him look up. "Yes?"

Addison nodded and smiled.

Zed reached farther, brushing the thin fabric that separated him from paradise. "You're soaked." he murmured, glancing up again.

"That's because you're taking too long to take them off," she said, lifting her hips.

"Happy to oblige…" He hooked his fingers through the sides and tugged. He couldn't help but chuckle when he caught a glimpse of them. He was expecting something racy and lacy. Instead, they were pink polka dot cotton briefs.

"Don't judge," she giggles.

"Oh, I'm judging," he teased.

"Do you have skimpy special occasion boxers?"

Zed let out a scoff. "Of course not."

"Exactly! Totally impractical! Why should women?"

He never had thought of it that way, but he could see her point. "I love how practical you are."

"Really?"

He nodded. "You're unlike anyone I've ever met, Adds."

The air grew heavy between them. Serious, even. His chest grew tight as they took each other in. This was as honest and raw as he'd ever been with a woman. It was simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. He caressed her legs again, just to ground himself. This was a one-night stand. Nothing more. And he was going to make it the best night either of them had ever had. He bent down a planted a kiss inside her thigh, letting her scent wash over him, pushing the fabric out of the way as he made his way closer. When he reached her apex, he paused, checking with her again. She was right there with him, watching avidly with her mouth parted. He had to kiss her. How could he not kiss her perfectly plump lips? He rose up, clasping a hand behind her neck, and kissed her. Soft little brushed at first until she leaned in and opened her mouth.

She kissed him with abandon, with the same fierce energy she used to drive the boat, letting him lead, but only so far, because she was too used to calling the shots. "More," she breathed when they pulled apart for air. "I want… need more."

"Patience, grasshopper," he whispered, his mouth curling up into a smile. "I'll give you everything you want, need, and then some." He dropped to his knees again, removing her adorable panties, and pushed her skirt out of the way. He hesitated heart in his throat, the weight of the moment pressing on him… but only for a moment. He dipped his head and kissed the tender skin next to her folds, letting his breath warm her skin, before moving over to the place he'd been fantasizing about for far too long. He breathed her in, the sharp, clean scent of her arousal. He blew over her sensitized skin, and a shiver rippled through her.

"Stop teasing," she panted. "Please."

With another smile, Zed obliged. His tongue pressed into her slick folds, searching, lapping, slowly making his way toward her clit. Her sighs fall on his ears like water, and her hand went into his hair. He took his time, learning each dip and rise, feasting on her arousal like it was forbidden fruit. Her hips rocked as she offered up her most secret parts, seeking more friction. His mouth sealed around her clit, licking with the flat of his tongue. She pulled on his hair, grinding against him mouth. She was close. Too close. Zed was amazed and proud with how fast she got there. He pulled away only to have his hair yanked.

"Don't stop," she moaned through gritted teeth. "Don't you dare stop."

He chuckled and placed an open-mouth kiss on the inside of her thigh. "I promise the wait will be worth it."

"Tease," she growled.

"Maybe just a little." He kissed the inside of her other thigh and drew the back of his finger across her swollen folds. He kissed her hipbone and up her stomach, and stroked her legs in long fluid motions. Only when her breathing began to slow did he dive back in again, kissing the center of her, devouring every inch until she was at fever pitch again. She cursed when he pulled away. A beautiful string of profanity that was music to his ears. This time, when he made his way back to her pussy, he paused. "Look at me, Addison." Her head rose and their gazes collided. She was like a woman possessed, wildfire in her eyes, hair tousled from writhing, cheeks flushed, lips swollen. "I've never seen you look so beautiful…" he said, barely able to speak. The feeling inside his chest was too big, too much. If it were anyone else but Addie, he would have run for the exit. But he had to see this through. Hell, he wanted to.

Keeping his eyes on her, he settled himself between her legs. The sweet bright taste of her was like a homecoming of sorts. Something deep inside settled into place. He licked and lapped, sucked and swirled, while he watched her, rapt. Her orgasm was a thing of beauty, the way it transformed her face. She let out a loud keening cry as shudder after shudder wracked her body. He kept his mouth on her until she was spent.

"Holy shit, Necrodopolus," she said with a giggle. "What the fuck was that?"

"Round one."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: HAPPY NEW YEAR!