SPRING BREAK

THE CALM BEFORE...

Lying in bed, Addison was physically exhausted from all the sightseeing they had been doing for most of the week. Her body tingled remembering some of the places they had been making out: in the yellow submarine off of Waikiki Beach, kissing on the beach instead of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and hiding in the maze for well over an hour at the Dole Plantation; she hid and when he found her, he ate pineapple soft serve off her body. It was completely inappropriate with all the families running around, but was so sexy. They couldn't even make it home that day because they were so hot and bothered, so they pulled over on another dirt road and finished what they started.

"Good morning, Gorgeous!" Zed said as he kneeled down on the bed and smacked a loud kiss onto her lips.

"Morning, Handsome. Where were you?"

"Went for a run on the beach."

"Sounds exhausting," she smiled as she yawned. "It's Spring Break...emphasis on the Break part of that."

"Still tired?" he asked, nuzzling into her neck.

"Mmhmm."

"Too bad! I've got a surprise for you."

"NO! No more surprises! I'm exhausted!"

Zed laughed and kissed her softly. "But you're really going to like this one."

"I've really liked all of them!" she whined, running her fingers through his thick green hair. "But I'm tired!"

"I'll make you a deal..." he whispered, running his hand up her leg. "You come see what your surprise is and if you're still tired after, you can come back in and take a nap."

"How about we stay right here and we see where those hands end up,' she smiled, pulling him down for a kiss.

"Not. A. Chance. Gorgeous," he said, kissing her lips between each word. "Your parents are already back in the main house."

Addison groaned. "Nooooo! That means we have that stupid picnic this evening. Remind me to thank my mother again for that...note sarcasm."

Zed smirked and kissed her again. "I'll find a way to get us out of it."

"You have been doing quite the fantastic job of keeping us out of my cousin's numerous attempts to get us to spend time with 'he who must not be named'."

"He's not Voldemort," he chuckled rubbing his nose against hers.

Addison gasped and smacked him on the arm. "You can't say that name either!"

"What am I going to do with you?"

She smiled and pulled him back down to her. "Love me. Like always."

"That's easy," he smiled, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "Now get up!" Before she could protest anymore, Zed hopped out of bed and walked over to the dresser. He pulled out one of her bathing suits and tossed it on the bed. "See you out by the pool!"

"You could at least feed me first!"

He threw her a wink and walked out the door.

A few minutes later Addison opened the door and stepped out onto the patio. "Okay, I'm here. What's the big surprise?" she said as she walked over to the lounge chair where Zed was lying down.

He quickly stood up and dashed to her side. "You have to close your eyes."

She arched her brow and smirked. "Ooooookay," she whispered as she closed her eyes tight. She felt his hands rest on her shoulders and slowly start to pull her forward. As they carefully walked, she felt the ground below her feet change from stone to grass and finally to sand.

"You ready?" Zed whispered, positioning her body in just the right spot. "Open your eyes, Gorgeous."

Addison slowly opened her eyes. She gasped and clamped her hand over her mouth when she saw two brand new surfboards planted in the sand. "You got me a surfboard?!" She ran and jumped into Zed's arms, knocking him over into the sand, peppering his face with kisses. "You. Are. so. Amazing. And. Wonderful. And. Perfect. And…."

Zed laughed as he sat them up. "I take it you like the board?"

"It's the most beautiful surfboard I've ever seen! Thank you!" She pulled him in for another kiss.

"I'm glad you like it. The second I saw it, I thought of you. I just wish it would have been delivered sooner."

"Well I think I know what we're doing our last two days here," she smiled, hopping off of his lap and jogging over to her new board. She ran her hand over it appreciatively, admiring the bright colors. "I love it!"

"How do you know that one is yours?" He teased, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

Addison giggled. "Pink and flowers don't really seem like your motif, plus you know...my name is on this one, and your name is on that one."

"Hey, I like pink," he teased pointing to the bandanna wrapped around his head currently keeping his hair out of his face. "But, yes, that one is yours. Besides, I couldn't pass up the Tikki one for myself"

She turned ever so slightly and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Gorgeous. Now how about we test these things out!"

When the swells finally died down and the water was still, Zed and Addison paddled back to shore.

"That was so much fun…. But now I am starving!" Addison giggled as she untethered her board from her ankle. "I was hungry when I woke up!"

"You and me both, Gorgeous. I don't even know how long we were out there for."

"I'm guessing a few hours. You can kind of see a peek of the sun behind the clouds up there. It's much higher than when we started."

Zed took her free hand that wasn't holding her board and brought it to his lips for a sweet kiss before lacing his fingers with hers. "Well, what should we do about lunch then?"

Addison smiled as she looked down at their joint hands, lightly swinging them back and forth. "Hmmm….do we still have what we need to make burgers? I could murder a juicy cheeseburger with bacon and jalapenos!"

"Who are you and what have you done with my bland palette girlfriend?" he laughed, rolling his eyes.

"What?"

Zed shook his head and smiled. "Nothing, you've just had quite the appetite these last few days."

"I wonder why?" she giggled. "You've had me exploring every inch of the islands, and don't even get me started on all the other activities."

"I wasn't just referring to the food, my dear," he winked, causing a soft pink blush to color her cheeks.

As they made their way up the path on the side of the house, Zed stopped and sniffed the air. "Mmmm, someone must have had the same idea." When they turned the corner to the patio, they found Dale and Bucky standing by the grill, and Missy, Kitty, and Eliza lounging by the pool.

"There you two are!" Missy exclaimed, standing up from her lounge chair. "Your father decided to grill out for lunch. I hope you two are in the mood for burgers!"

"Mmmmm, you read my mind Dad!" Addison called over. "Medium rare, please!"

"Bucky!" Kitty said, getting her son's attention. "Be a dear and go get your father for lunch. He should be wrapping up his call."

Missy ripped off her sunglasses and walked in front of Zed. "What is that?"

Zed looked around for a moment confused, before following her line of vision down to his chest where Addison's name was clearly visible. "Oh...that..."

"Yes, that…." Missy said, tapping her foot waiting for an explanation.

"Well, you se..."

"Missy, dear. Zed and I have already discussed it." Dale said, coming to his rescue.

"You knew about this!"

"Yes, Zed and I had a nice long talk about it in December while he was getting his Z-ring."

"YOU'VE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SINCE DECEMBER?!"

"Oh, Missy, calm down! Bucky and Eliza have matching tattoos. You don't see me freaking out!" Kitty called out from her lounge chair.

"Go have another drink, Kitty!" Missy snapped back. Kitty held up her glass and smiled.

"Mayor Missy, I love your daughter. She's my other half. You know this. The tattoo...it's a Zombie cultural thing."

"It is?" she asked at the same time Addison asked the same thing.

Zed discreetly moved his board so it would be covering Addison's tattoo on her hip. "Yes, ma'am. You'd be hard pressed to find a younger zombie without one. It's a way for us to honor our past."

"You are such a bad lier," Eliza whispered low enough for only Zed to be able to hear.

"I didn't know that….Huh….But why my daughter's name, and what appears to be teeth marks?"

"Like I told your daughter, my heart might be still, but it will always belong to her."

"Well, that's just about the sweetest thing," Missy smiled before turning serious once more. "And the bite?"

Zed chuckled nervously. "That's a Zom thing. Us younger generation don't have the actual bite marks that our parents had."

"Oh… I guess that makes sense. I'm sorry I overreacted, Zed sweetie. I'm still learning about Zombie culture."

"It's fine, Mayor Missy."

She turned around and glared at her husband. "But don't think I'm not still upset with you, mister….keeping secrets from me," she mumbled as she sat back down on her lounge chair.

Dale just smiled and shook his head before returning to his position at the grill.

Zed leaned down to whisper in Addison's ear. "You might want to go put on a cover-up before either of your parents see my name on your hip. There's no way I can talk us out of that one."

Addison giggled quietly and kissed his cheek. "I'll be right back handsome. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Gorgeous." He winked and gave her his best crooked smile as she quickly made her retreat into the guest house.

As he rested their boards against the side of the house, Eliza walked up to him. "I can not believe that actually worked," she whispered trying to hold in a laugh.

Zed smiled and chuckled quietly. "You and me both. And since when does Kitty know about you and B's tattoo's?"

"Since about an hour ago. Lucky for us, she's been hitting the Mai Tai's since dawn."

They were both laughing when Bucky met up with them. "What's so funny?"

"You missed Mayor Missy seeing Z's tat for the first time, and his BS explanation. We were laughing because of your mom's reaction to ours."

Bucky just shook his head. "Thank the Tikki Gods for tropical drinks."

"There!" Addison said as she walked back outside and joined them. "All covered up."

"I'm taking it yours stayed a secret?" Bucky asked.

"Yup. And I fully plan on keeping it that way."

"Kids! Burgers are ready!"

"So, I couldn't help but notice the new boards," Dale said as he squirted ketchup onto his burger. "I haven't been surfing in years!"

"You surf, Chief?"

"Sure do, Zed. I have my board upstairs. So does Trevor."

"We should all go after lunch!" Bucky said, grabbing the ketchup next. "E and I can paddleboard, and you guys can all surf!"

"That's a great idea!" Dale said looking over to Trevor.

"I'm going to have to pass, I still have a few conference calls I need to sit in on. Companies don't just hostily take over themselves."

Bucky passed the ketchup to Addison.

"Ugh, no thank you."

He looked at her, his face scrunched up in surprise. "Since when do you not take ketchup on your hamburger?"

"Since the very sight of it is making my stomach turn, can you please move it away from me?"

"Okay, weirdo..." He said with a mouth full of hamburger

"Bartholomew! Don't call your cousin names! And don't talk with your mouth full!"

"Sorry, Mom...But, seriously, cuz…." he eyed her hamburger suspiciously. "Since when do you eat your burgers medium rare, with jalapenos, cheese, and bacon?"

"Whufs wong wif vat?" Zed asked with a mouth full of the exact same thing.

"Zed! Don't speak with your mouth full!"

"Sorry, Kitty." He looked back over to Bucky.

"Nothing's wrong with it, it's just unexpected."

Addison shrugged and picked up her burger, taking a large bite. "Mmmmmmm….vis is sooo goood."

"Addison!"

"Sorry, Aunt Kitty!... But seriously, this burger is great. Thanks, Dad!"

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

Missy gasped and stood up. She reached across the table and grabbed Addison's hand. "Is...is...this...I don't think I can handle another surprise…."

Dale looked from the ring on Addison's left ring finger and over to Zed.

Addison and Zed both glanced at each other and started to laugh. "Mom, relax. It's not an engagement ring. It's more of a promise ring."

Missy and Dale both visibly relaxed. "Well, it's beautiful, dear," she said, regaining her composure.

"Isn't it! Zed surprised me with it when we visited the grotto earlier this week!"

Missy smiled and rested her head on her husband's shoulder. "I remember our first trip to the grotto. So romantic. We haven't been there in ages. It's easy to forget how many beautiful places Hawaii has."

"Where else have you four gone this week?" Dale asked looking at them all.

"Um...Zed and I have gone to the grotto, up to the volcanic look out, the yellow submarine over in Waikiki Beach, we went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and we visited the Dole Plantation."

"After having one in Disney, I was craving a Dole Whip," Zed said, causing Addison to blush.

"Oh, and we all went to a luau for dinner the other night! It was so much fun!"

"Eliza and I have been taking more of a relaxed approach," Bucky added. "We've gone sailing a couple times, and have gone over to the Sandbar a few times. But mostly, we've just been lounging on the beach."

"Well, it certainly sounds like you kids have been having a great Spring Break so far!" Missy gushed.

"We have, Thank you again," Zed smiled.

"Ugh, Bucky! Please! I asked you not to put the ketchup by me," Addison cringed as her cousin squirted more ketchup on to his plate.

"Addie, are you okay?" Zed asked, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm fine. My stomach is just not having anything to do with ketchup right now."

He held the back of his hand up against her forehead. "You're a little clammy."

"Addison, dear, why don't you go take nap? Maybe you'll feel better after. I wouldn't want you to miss the picnic!"

"You're right Mom, wouldn't want to miss that, would I...boy would that be a shame."

Zed glanced at her and smirked.

"Are you sure?" her father asked. "I was really hoping we could all go surfing."

"You still can, dear!" Missy said with a smile. "I'm sure Zed would still like to go. Wouldn't you sweetie?"

"Oh, I was going to stay with Addie. I don't want to leave her by herself if she's not feeling well."

"Nonsense! She'll be fine. And Kitty and I will be right across the patio in the main house prepping everything for the picnic."

Zed looked at Addison, searching her eyes for an answer. "Go..." she whispered. "I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded her head and smiled.

"Alright. Looks like we'll be hitting the waves Chief."

"Are you sure you can't take a nap with me?" Addison pouted as she changed out of her swimsuit and into one of Zed's oversized t-shirts.

"You're the one who encouraged me to go! Besides...You, my dear, actually need to take a nap so you can feel better. And I know, just as well as you know, that if I lay down in that bed with you, we won't be sleeping."

"We would eventually..." she smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down to her for a kiss.

Zed moaned into her mouth, momentarily forgetting his resolve. "Nope...not happening. The last thing we need is your Dad walking in here to figure out what's taking so long."

"Fine," she pretended to pout. "Have fun surfing with my Dad."

He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "We shouldn't be too long, those clouds outside are starting to look a little dark. I'm guessing we're about to get some rain."

"Rain would be a godsend. Rain equals no picnic. No picnic equals no Graham."

"I told you not to worry about it. I'll come up with a reason we can't make it." He picked her up and carried her over to the large platform bed in the center of the room. "You just get some rest."

Addison yawned the second her head touched the pillow. "If you insist."

"I do." He kneeled down on the bed and kissed her gently. "I love you, Addison."

"I love you too, Zed."

"Get some sleep, beautiful. I'll be back soon." Before he could even walk out the sliding glass doors, she was already asleep.

The room was dim from the approaching storm clouds outside and thunder could be heard in the distance.

"God I've missed you."

"Hmmm...missed you too, Handsome," Addison whispered without opening her eyes, she smiled feeling his weight on top of her as she started to wake up from her vivid dream of plumeria flowers and sugar cane fields.

"Wakey, wakey, Addie-Caddie."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'd like to remind everyone of all the sweet tender moments I provided in the last chapter before you guys start hating me! Sorry for the cliffy! But I promise, you just have to wait until Thursday!

Thank you so much Gabrielleb11 for the super sweet shout-out! If you guys haven't read her story Love Signs yet, go check it out! It's pretty amazing!

American Housewife comes back TONIGHT! I'm so excited to see Meg & Milo reunited once more. #TeamPaylor forever! (even though I know it's not going to work out)

I'll be posting more pics on the Instagram page that have helped inspire the Spring Break chapters. Stay tuned!

As always, your reviews are greatly appreciated!