AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter is rated M
Holiday Break
New Year's Eve
The ballroom at the W Hotel Seabrook was decorated like a scene straight from The Great Gatsby. Gold linens covered the tables and the hotel staff was busy arranging the fine china place settings. Mayor Missy's assistant and campaign manager, Gloria, stood in the center of the ballroom facing the small stage.
"Alright, Missy I need you centered behind the podium, and Dale I need you to stand to her left...just a smidge further…perfect!" she ran up to the stage and with a small piece of masking tape marked his position. "Don't move." She quickly sprinted back to her previous position. "Addison, if you could go stand just to the right of your mother...yes, right there," she said as Addison stood in position. Gloria again rushed to the stage and marked Addison's place before returning to the center of the ballroom. "Zed?" she called out as she looked around the room, spotting him sitting in a chair at the back of the room.
Zed looked up from his phone and pointed to himself. Gloria shook her head in confirmation and motioned for him to get up.
"Alright, Zed. I need you to go stand on Addison's right, but slightly behind her right shoulder, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am," Zed said as he quickly walked up to the stage and stood where he was told. "Sorry, I didn't realize I'd be up here."
Missy looked over at him and smiled. "Of course we need you up here, Zed sweetie."
Gloria placed a piece of tape by his foot as Addison reached out and held his hand.
"That's perfect!" Gloria exclaimed. "Make sure you hold hands tonight on stage. It's very 'young love' and 'hope for the future'."
Addison and Zed looked down at their joined hands and smiled.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
"I can't believe you got a suite and didn't tell us," Bucky said as he threw a pillow at Zed.
Zed laughed as he dodged it. "You could just say 'Thank you.' Now you both have your own rooms with Eliza and Bree tonight." He high-fived Bonzo who was sitting next to him on the small couch in what was booked as the "boys" room.
"Oh, I'm plenty thankful," Bucky said, reaching for a Kleenex from the nightstand. "I'm just shocked you waited until today to tell us!" Bucky blew his nose.
"Garuzga ogzay? Bonzo asked.
"I'm fine. This is much better than I was most of the week. This stupid head cold is finally breaking up...Back to Zed keeping secrets..."
Zed shook his head. "I wasn't keeping secrets, I just couldn't risk anyone slipping up and saying something. Gloria knows all, I wasn't taking a chance. Consider it a late Christmas present." Zed's phone rang in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at it with a confused look.
"Coach? What's up?" Zed's eyes got huge as he listened. "You're kidding, right?…." he stood up from the couch. "OH MY GOD! YES! OF COURSE! THANK YOU!" he hung the phone up. "YESSS!"
"Care to share with the class?" Bucky asked with an amused face.
"...I've got to talk to Addie..." he whispered in shock before running out the room screaming her name.
Bucky and Bonzo stared after him. "Gar gaz zon..."
Bucky shook his head and laughed. "No idea, Bonzo. No idea."
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Addison was in one of the hotel's conference rooms with Bree, Eliza, her mother, and Gloria surrounded by a team of stylists. Addison was in the middle of having her nails painted when she heard her name being called from somewhere outside of the room.
"Is that Zed?" Missy asked as she held her hand up for the makeup artist to stop for a minute.
"Addie! Addison! ADDIE!" The shouting got louder.
Addison jumped out of the chair, much to the frustration of the nail technician, and opened the door to the room just as Zed ran by.
"Zed, over here!" she called out getting his attention.
"Oh thank god. I didn't know what room..."
"Get in here," she said with a giggle as she pulled him into the room.
Zed looked around the room and waved at everyone. "Sorry, for barging in ladies!," he said slightly embarrassed, "But, Addie...Big news!...Huge news!"
"What?"
"I just got a call from Coach. They want me to play in the All American Game! I'm going to play football on National TV!" he exclaimed as he picked her up and swung her around.
"Oh my God! That's amazing!"
"The school is going to fly me to Tampa tomorrow!"
"Wait...Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, the game is on the fourth. They want me down there as soon as possible to practice with the team. Most of the guys have been down there all week. They had a fullback get hurt and my name came up as a replacement!"
"That's fantastic!" she said as she hugged him tightly. "Not for that other guy, of course."
Zed laughed and kissed the top of her head.
"Congrats, Z," Eliza said walking over to give him a hug.
Bree wiggled away from the hairdresser. "I'm so excited for you, Zed!"
"Zed, sweetie, I'm so happy for you," Missy said from the makeup chair. "I know you'll do an amazing job representing Seabrook High."
"Thanks, everyone! Wow...Okay, I'm going to go find Pops. I need to run home and pack and get my Z-pass, and oh my God I can't believe this is happening!" He kissed Addison's cheek before running out of the room with a loud "YES!"
Addison smiled and shook her head as she sat back down to have her nails finished.
"Addison, do you think Zed would mind if we used this in the speech?" Gloria said without looking up from her laptop.
"What?" Addison asked, looking over in her direction.
"It'd be a great way to introduce your boyfriend. I mean, the press is going to want to know who the tall handsome Zombie always hanging around is."
"But Gloria, Zed's already been in all the papers and on the news for football. The press knows who he is."
Gloria looked up from her laptop and peered over her glasses. "The local press knows him, and the sports reporters statewide know him. But this is going to be front page statewide and picked up nationally. With Mitchell running for a congressional seat, there's definitely going to be an interest in who is running to replace him."
"Wow..." Addison whispered.
"Yeah, Wow," Missy said with a soft laugh. "This isn't going to be like the local elections we're used to. This is the big leagues."
"Which reminds me," Gloria said, closing her laptop and walking over to Addison. "I think there are some things that you should be prepared for."
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
"Pops!" Zed exclaimed as he ran into the suite on the top floor of the hotel. "I am so glad you got me luggage for Christmas!" he said as he rushed over and hugged his dad tight.
"I'm glad you like it?"
Zed laughed at the odd expression on his face.
"Guess who was just asked to play in the All American Game in Tampa!"
Zevon's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Are you serious?" Zed just shook his head in confirmation. Zevon hugged Zed even tighter, lifting him off the ground. "I am so happy for you, son!"
"Thanks, Pops," Zed said as he was set back down. "The school is arranging the flights for tomorrow and taking care of the hotel. But, I have to go back home now and pack up my gear and clothes."
"Well let's go then!" he said rushing to get his keys and garment bag.
"Why are you bringing your tux?"
Zed smiled and clapped his son on the shoulder. "I'll just change at the house. It's not like I'm actually staying here tonight."
"Thank you again."
"You're welcome," Zevon said looking around the large suite one last time. "I still can't believe I let you talk me into this..."
Zed laughed and grabbed the spare hotel key from the table. "It's amazing what a home-cooked meal and the promise of indentured servitude will get you."
"Don't think I'm not going to collect on that." he said as they walked out the door.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
A few hours later Addison knocked on one of the large double doors of the suite that Zed had gotten for the night. She paced nervously back and forth as she waited for him to answer. When he opened the door, Addison froze. She bit her bottom lip and smiled. "Do you always answer the door in just a towel?"
Zed poked his head out of the door and looked both ways checking to see if the coast was clear. With a wicked smile playing on his lips he dropped the towel that had been wrapped around his waist. "Better?"
"Oh my god!" she gasped, pushing him further into the room and closing the door quickly behind them.
Zed grabbed her around the waist and pulled her closer to him. "I have never been so jealous of a dress in all my life," he said running his hands over the tight black sequined dress that hugged her curves in the most delicious way. He ran his nose along her neck and placed a light kiss under her ear.
Addison closed her eyes, melting into him. Her hands traced up the muscles on his back and up to his broad shoulders. She vaguely remembered that she had come up here for a reason, but all she could think about was how his mouth felt on her skin. "Zed…."
His hands moved down and pulled the hem of her dress up over her hips. His hand skimmed across her belly before he slid it down inside her panties, his fingers feeling how wet she was for him.
"We….need to...talk..."
He pulled her panties down with his other hand, "Do you want me to stop, Addie..."
Addison moaned and walked them back until she hit the door.
He bent lower, running his hard length between her legs. His hot breath was in her ear, giving her chills. His fingers finding her slick wetness, pressing against her, moving in circles. His lips were on the side of her neck, sucking, licking, nipping then moved back to her ear. "What did you want to tell me, Gorgeous," he whispered, reaching to his left for his wallet sitting on the side table and pulling out a condom.
"I want...I want you, Zed. I want you." At that moment, he rolled the condom down his length and picked her up, sliding himself inside her, making her cry out.
"Is that what you want?" he asked as he moved in her, pushing
up hard, making her breath catch.
She let out a moan. "Yes, it's what I want, God yes." She leaned down and bit down onto his shoulder as hard as she could.
Zed growled loudly. Both hands went to her hips as he pulled her onto him, driving himself powerfully inside her. Her hands pulled at his damp hair as she met his thrusts.
His hand moved down to trace circles on her again, making her moan louder. He moved inside her faster before he felt her clamp down as she reached her climax. His own following soon after as he thrust hard, moving until he was spent. Staying inside her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Breathing heavily, he held her close. He kissed her almost desperately. "I love you, Addison."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you too, Zed." She suddenly started to laugh.
"What's so funny, Gorgeous?"
"This is exactly why we need to talk."
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Addison stood behind the curtain of the stage nervously shredding a bar napkin as her mother began her speech. After she announced her candidacy, that would be it. Addison's anonymity outside of Seabrook would be gone. Her every step could be watched. She felt like she was going to throw up. She dropped the napkin and spun around to make a quick escape, only to be wrapped up in Zed's strong arms instead.
He leaned down and kissed the top of her hair. "Relax," he whispered into her ear, running the back of his hand down her cheek. He lifted her chin up and ran his thumb across her lips. "Everything is going to be fine." He kissed her lips softly.
Chief Dale cleared his throat.
Zed quickly took a step back. "Sorry Chief, she was starting to panic, again."
Addison spun around and looked at her father. "Dad, I can't do this! I'm 18. I can't live under a microscope," she rushed out through heavy breaths. "Press following me around without me knowing? Really?" Zed wrapped his arms around her from behind and tried to calm her.
"Gloria is only trying to prepare you for what can happen. She's not saying it will," Dale said, trying to ease her worrying. "Hopefully the other two candidates run a clean campaign and we limit your exposure to a few campaign events."
"And if they don't?"
"Then we do our best."
Addison looked up at Zed. "Are you sure you want to do this? I don't have a choice, but you do."
Zed kissed her forehead. "Addison, the election is ten months from now. There is no way I'm staying away from you for that long. So, why not get the initial press out of the way. Like Gloria said, it will limit the curiosity later and let your mom's campaign control the narrative."
"You are unbelievably calm..."
Zed laughed and rolled his eyes. He turned Addison around and placed her hand on his heart. "Does that feel like I'm 'unbelievably calm'?" he asked. The implant in his heart was beating like crazy.
Addison laughed and hugged him around his waist.
"Alright, remember to stand on your marks," Gloria said, suddenly appearing next to them. "She's just about to introduce you." Gloria disappeared just as quickly.
"That women's ability to pop up out of nowhere has always scared me," Bucky said from the chair he had been sitting in for the last forty-five minutes.
"Why aren't you nervous, Bucky?" Addison snapped.
"Um...because my mom isn't running for governor? I just have to stand in the back with 'also family' and 'devoted staffers'," he said using air quotes for emphasis.
"Smiles in place, you're up!" Gloria announced, ushering them towards the stage.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
After the applause from Mayor Missy's speech had finally settled down, the band began to play softly and the stage emptied. Zed, Addison, and Bucky were walking to join Eliza, Bonzo, and Bree at their table for dinner.
"Addison, Zed...A word?" Gloria called out to them.
"Good luck..." Bucky whispered as he continued to walk.
"Thank you, Bartholomew!" Zed called after him.
Addison playfully smacked his arm as they turned towards her mother's campaign manager. "What's up Gloria?"
"I just wanted to tell you that you both did great up there."
"Thank you," Addison said.
"But," she held up a finger. "I need you to keep the PDA down this evening. I know you're going to be drinking, and you both tend to go into your own little bubble and forget the world around you exists. Just try to make my job a little easier and avoid me having to do damage control in the morning. You can kiss at midnight, but nothing that you wouldn't do standing in front of your parents."
"We will be on our best behavior," Addison assured her.
"Scouts honor," Zed added, holding up two fingers.
"Thank you," she said before turning around and walking away.
"Were you ever even a boy scout?" Addison said quietly as she watched Gloria walk away.
"Not even the slightest," he said with a laugh, wrapping his arm around her waist and escorting her to their table.
The six friends sat around the table joking and laughing with each other throughout dinner. After dessert was served, the music changed from light classical to roaring 20's jazz.
"I'm ready to dance!" Bree gushed, grabbing Bonzo's hand and pulling him to the dance floor.
"What about you, baby?" Bucky asked, holding his hand out for Eliza.
"Only if you promise not to snot on me," she said holding her finger up in a warning.
Bucky laughed and helped her out of her chair. "I promise I have kleenex on me."
Zed looked over to Addison, "You ready to cut a rug like Gatsby and Daisy?"
Addison giggled and kissed his cheek. "I've actually got to run to the ladies room,"
"Tell you what, you do that and I will get us drinks. Meet me by the bar?"
"Sounds perfect," she said, standing up and blowing him a kiss.
Zed walked to the bar closest to the restrooms and ordered two glasses of champagne. He had just tipped the bartender when he heard his name.
"Ah, Zed, my boy. I was hoping I'd run into you this evening."
Zed turned around. "Senator Warren, it's nice to see you again, Sir," he said, placing one of the glasses down on the table next to him and shaking the elder senators hand.
"I believe congratulations are in order. The All American Game? You should be very proud."
"Thank you, Sir. And I am. Again, if it weren't for your Zombie Inclusion Bill. None of this would have ever been possible. So, thank you."
Senator Warren patted him on the back. "I'm just an old man trying to make things right."
"There you are handsome!" Addison said as she walked up to Zed and kissed his cheek.
"Hello, Gorgeous," he whispered, handing her a glass of champagne. "Senator Warren, this is my girlfriend, Addison."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Senator," Addison said, extending her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine," he took her hand and kissed it. "Addison...you must be Missy's daughter that I've heard so much about."
"Yes, Sir," she said with a large smile.
"I was so glad to hear she named you Addison," he said quietly, placing a hand on his heart.
Addison gave him a confused look.
Realizing what he said, he straightened himself out. "I've probably said too much. Forgive me, I'm an old man," he said with a slight chuckle in his voice. "Well, I'm sure you two kids want to get back to the party, and I have to go hunt down Maureen. Addison, it was a pleasure meeting you. And Zed, good luck on Thursday. I'll be watching."
"Thank you, Sir," Zed said, shaking his hand once more.
As the senator walked off, Addison grabbed Zed's hand. "Dance with me?"
Zed smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "How could I ever tell you 'no'." He leaned down and kissed her forehead before letting her lead him to the dance floor to join their friends.
They had been dancing around together for a while when a photographer walked up to them. "Would you mind if we took a few pictures for the Seabrook Times?" he asked.
"Not at all," Addison answered with a smile. She and Zed posed for a few pictures together as well as with Bucky, Eliza, Bree, and Bonzo.
"Thank you. These should be in the society section on Friday," he said as he walked off.
"Did he just say 'society section'?" Eliza asked.
Addison laughed and hugged her. "It was bound to happen sooner or later," she giggled pointing at her cousin.
As the night wore on closer to midnight, the music got louder, and the dance floor grew more crowded. Everyone around them was having a great time.
"Zed, can you get me another glass?" Addison asked over the music.
Zed smiled and leaned down to kiss her cheek. "You got it, Gorgeous." He looked over to their friends. "Anyone else need a refill?"
Bonzo and Bree shook their heads no, as did Eliza.
"Bucky? Another water?"
"I'm good," he said, rolling his eyes. "Of all the holidays to be on medicine for."
Zed leaned down and kissed the top of Addison's head. "I'll be right back." He brought his hand up and caressed the side of her cheek.
Addison leaned into his hand and smiled up at him. "Hurry back."
Zed made his way across the room to the bar and ordered. As the bartender handed him the two glasses he saw Addison walking towards him. A large smile spread across his face as he walked to meet her.
"Hey there, Gorgeous," he said as he met her halfway and handed her a glass.
Addison ran her free hand along the lapel of his black tuxedo jacket. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," he said softly looking into her crystal blue eyes.
She pulled on his lapel, bringing him closer to her. "Why did we promise Gloria we'd behave?"
Zed leaned down, "I have no idea," he whispered against her lips. He gently kissed her. The kiss was soft and longing. Their tongues sweetened with the taste of champagne.
Addison placed her glass down on the table to free her hand. She felt around to the back of his neck and ran her fingers
through his thick green hair. Zed growled quietly and pulled her head back. She felt his soft lips shift their way down the length of her neck. When he pulled away, she could see a fiery look of desire building in his eyes.
"Party or..."
Addison bit her lip and looked up at him through her lashes. "Or," she said softly pulling him back down to her lips.
Pulling away from their embrace, he took her hand and lead her out of the ballroom and towards the elevators. They rode up to the top floor and walked down the hall to the large, opulent suite. He kept glancing back at her every few steps with a look of anticipation. He led her through the large double doors and over to the king size bed facing the large floor to ceiling windows overlooking the water.
His kiss was intoxicating and overpowering. She felt an all-consuming need for him. She attempted to gather her thoughts while his hands ran all over her body. "But what if they're looking for us?" she breathed into his mouth, their lips brushing against one another as she spoke.
"Addison, I just want you. Here. Now. I don't care if they send a search party. I just want to be inside you right when the new year begins."
Zed slowly slid the straps of her dress down her shoulders, kissing her freshly exposed skin along the way. She did the same in return and slid his jacket down and threw it behind him onto a nearby armchair. He momentarily pulled out of their embrace and drew his tux shirt and t-shirt up over his head, without undoing any of the buttons, exposing his pale, toned chest where Addison's name and teeth marks stared proudly at her from over his heart. She slowly traced her finger around the art on his chest, feeling his perfectly smooth skin under her fingertips. He pushed himself up against her, letting her feel the heat from his bare skin against hers. She felt his hard erection pressing against her pelvic bone. He reached around and unzipped her dress. Giving it a subtle tug, it dropped to the floor below her. She felt him as he unzipped his own pants. All the while never breaking their kiss, Zed continued to suck gently on her lower lip. She heard his pants softly land on the floor below, he stepped aside of the crumpled clothing around his feet. She followed in his direction, both of them kicking their shoes off along the way. Their breathing intensified as she felt more of his exposed flesh against hers.
"Do you need to get…"
Zed cut her off before she could finish. "Condoms are in the bedside drawer."
"Very organized," she breathed into his mouth. She could feel him grinning into her mouth, as the words whispered slowly from her own.
He gently lowered her onto the bed, his strong arms securely holding her around the nape of her neck, his other around her lower back. Their lips refused to part from each other, as Addison positioned herself on the vast bed. She could vaguely hear beyond their heavy breathing, the music playing over the room's internal sound system. She smiled hearing Lana Del Ray's velvety voice singing Young and Beautiful before she was swept up again by Zed's attentive tongue.
He slowly began his descent down her neck, to the black lace at the top of her bra. He hooked his finger under the lace, and pulled down gently, exposing her breast. Zed's tongue lightly rolled around her nipple, pulling at it with a sucking grip. Not allowing her other breast to miss out on the enjoyment, he slowly made his way over to the other side and repeated his caressing demonstration. Addison could feel the pull deep inside of her. Her insides began to pulse under his incredible tongue.
Zed knelt back on his knees and slowly tugged at the top of her matching black underwear. She lifted her legs up vertically, allowing him to slide them off her extended legs. His hands ran down the length of them. Zed slowly pushed his entire body up against her up-stretched legs. He kept her legs suspended in the air as he reached over for a condom. His eyes found hers as he positioned her legs on either of his shoulders. Pushing his boxer briefs off quickly, he rolled the condom over his solid, hard length. His eyes were soft as he gazed at her, sending a thrill throughout her body. He further parted her legs around him and pulled her against him.
Addison wrapped both legs around his torso, gripping him tightly as he knelt over her. Her arms remained stretched up behind her, submitting herself to him fully. Zed gripped behind her arched back, slowly positioning her, and gradually sank himself inside of her. Her eyes automatically closed, the stunning sensation flooding her entire body. Feeling the incredible fullness deep within sending a jolt of electricity up her spine. He gripped onto her waist and growled each time he pulled her body backwards and forwards over his erection. She pulled her legs around him tighter as the rhythm increased.
Zed rolled himself forward and stretched his legs out behind so that he's now hovering above her. Both of their bodies rubbed against one another with blazing friction. Addison curled her hips forward to meet his strokes. She could feel the ripple of muscles along his back, as she slid her hand down. He slid his hand under her back and unclasped her bra, sliding it off her arms, and throwing it to the floor. Cupping her breast, he lightly twisted her nipple between his thumb and index finger. She moaned loudly at the feeling building up like fire inside of her. Their motions began to quicken in pace. Both of their hands feverishly felt around each other's bodies as the tension continued to rise.
He rested his forehead against hers and cupped the side of her face. Rubbing her lower lip with his thumb, he whispered, "So beautiful." Her legs pulled him deeper inside her, constricting his movement. She could feel him start to expand inside her. "Come with me. I know you want to." He beckoned with his sexy low voice, sending her over the edge. She could feel herself climax and release around him, squeezing and tensing from the inside. Fireworks began to light up the room as they shared their release.
"Happy New Year, Gorgeous," he whispered, kissing her deeply.
She pulled back and looked into his warm brown eyes,"Happy New Year. I have a feeling this is going to be our year."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I am so sorry that I am posting this so late! This week has been insanely busy and I've hardly been home. I'm going to try to post early next week to make up for it. I hope you enjoyed this weeks chapter. I always love hearing your thoughts, so….drop me a review and let me know!