Jerks Like Us Book Three
Page 12
“Yeah. If we can find a way to dress you up, we can do just that.” Brody snorted.
“How though? My face is recognizable and since these idiots saw us together, so are you.”
“Well, we can change things. I can dye my hair brown, wear a cap and sunglasses, while you can do more. It depends on how comfortable you are with changing your appearance.”
Kao snorted. “The only way I wouldn’t get noticed is if I wore a dress.”
Brody cocked an eyebrow at Kao.
Kao clicked his teeth. “So, you’re suggesting…”
“If you wanna get out bad enough, might be worth a shot.”
Kao nibbled on his bottom lip and dropped his gaze. Might not be a bad thing just for them to see the sights before the tour kicked off. Not that Kao took issue with wearing feminine clothing since he’d done it for a number of Korean variety shows. He looked damn good in a dress and heels if he had to say so himself.
“Might work.” Kao stroked the small amount of facial hair on his chin and smiled at Brody. “I’ll think about it. Heels are a bitch to wear on concrete.”
“You could do flats or gym shoes.”
“No way. If I’m gonna dress, I’m going all out. No half ass for me.”
“And this is where you’ll sacrifice comfort for appearance?”
“Absolutely.” Kao snickered and re-crossed his legs. “We’ll see. In this hot weather, it’ll have to be in a minimal amount of clothing.”
“Whatever works. Now, what do you want to eat? I can run out and get something.”
“Nah, room service will suffice. I don’t really have a taste for anything special. Besides, you just said you gotta dye your hair.”
“I do. I called in a favor to head out to the store to grab some, so I thought I’d get food too.”
Kao shrugged. “It’s okay, I don’t need anything special. I’m getting worked up over things that are out of my control, but I can’t freaking help it.”
“I know, man. We’re gonna find these guys, you’ll just have to be patient. In the meantime, I’m gonna grab dye.” Brody picked up his phone and rose.
“What color? I could make a couple of suggestions if you’d like.”
Brody shook his head. “It’ll be a plain brown. That’s closest to my natural hair.”
“Ugh, so damn boring. You’d probably look great with black hair with some red highlights.”
“You’re the star, not me.” Brody chuckled while strolling to the closet.
“But something out of the norm would look great on you. It’ll bring out your eyes.”
“Meh. I’m good. If you haven’t noticed by now, Kao, I’m a real simpleton. Hope that doesn’t burst that wild ginger headed fantasy of yours, but it is what it is.” Brody grabbed a baseball cap.
“No, but damn are you boring. You’re gonna have to change those simple ways just a little to be my man.”
“Ooh wow. Who said I wanted to be yours?”
“You didn’t have to.” Kao smiled smugly and pulled on his collar. “You already said you like me.”
“Uh huh. I wish I’d never told you that, but I wanted you to chill and stop throwing yourself at me.”
“I wasn’t. Okay, um…” Kao rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe a tad, but I haven’t tried anything lately except making snide comments.”
“True.” Brody fiddled with his phone. “You need something from the store?”
Kao leaned back, crossing his arms. “Nope. I got plenty of dye here. I carry my own beauty supplies in my extra suitcase.”
Brody eyed Kao snickering. “And why doesn’t that surprise me?”
“It shouldn’t because I’m a work of art,” Kao said with a laugh. “Go on and get your boring as fuck colors so you can look like any other person. The red hair makes you stand out. Black would be a great change.”
“Maybe later, but while we’re trying to hide, the last thing I need is to draw attention to myself. Anyway, Officer Moran is on his way up now to sit with you and there will be another cop outside the door.”
“Damn, how the hell did you pull that off?”
“I set it all up along with the escort. I told them I wouldn’t make it a habit, plus they realize the seriousness of this whole thing.”
“Gotcha.” Kao folded his hands in his lap, trying to act nonchalant, when in reality he was anything but calm. Not being about to sign into social media was part of his restlessness. Staying away from his phone would be hard as hell. “Are the officers cute?”
Brody narrowed his eyes. “No clue. Be a good boy until I get back, all right?”
Kao snorted. “I will. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with asking though. I might need a Big Apple Boo just to tide me over. Who better than a cop?”
Brody smirked and shook his head. “Damn you…”
“What?” Kao put up his hands. “You said you don’t trust people, but I’d think you’d be okay with me dating someone wearing the blue. That’s if they were gay or at least bisexual of course.”
“Kao, stop!”
There was a knock at the door.
Brody turned around and looked through the peephole. “Officers, can I see your badges? Okay thanks, Moran. Pleashy?”
Kao stood and tried looking over Brody’s shoulder.
When the guy named Moran stepped in, he shook hands with Brody. “Kao, this is Officer Moran and standing outside is Officer Pleashy.”
Pleashy said hi Kao, then stepped back out into the hallway. From what he could see, Pleashy was the yummier of the two. Moran wasn’t ugly, just appeared to be a little old.
“Hiya.” Moran stepped in and offered his hand.
Kao took it and sat back down, wishing Pleashy and Moran would change places just so he’d have someone to stare at.
“I’ll be back.” Brody appeared to be satisfied with both officers, then promptly left.
Kao didn’t respond. He eyed Moran who looked around the room as if he were searching for something. “Can I help you, officer?”
“Just making sure everything’s secure. No cameras or anything like that. Do you mind if I use the restroom?”
“Go on ahead.” Kao waved his hand dismissively and looked at his lap. He was already bored as hell, and without social media he was lost.
There was television, but Kao wasn’t the least bit interested in that. Brody had said he could use his tablet but what would he do? He wanted Kao to completely disconnect from the outside world so he couldn’t be tracked.
Brody didn’t even trust Kao to keep the locator off which was probably a good idea after all. Knowing him, he’d probably inadvertently switch it on just to brag to his followers how gorgeous New York was in the summertime.
When Brody returned from his excursion, he brought New York style pizza with him.
Kao was grateful since he’d worked up an appetite sitting with Moran and educating him about South Korea and KPOP. Although the conversation was fun, it was maddening at the same time. Trying to explain why he liked wearing make-up to an obviously straight, married man was exhausting. In the end, the man claimed to understand, but Kao was sure he only said so to keep from arguing.
While Kao scarfed down his food, he used Brody’s tablet to check out local clothing shops in the area for his disguises. He’d already found a few he liked, but he needed to find out from Brody if it was okay to get the things delivered.
“Okay. I don’t think it looks bad, right?” Brody said.
Kao looked up from the screen, eyeing Brody walk in with blondish brown hair. He’d also shaved his beard and mustache which made Kao kind of sad, but admittedly the man was still hot.
“Looks good. I think I like you better clean shaven.”
Brody laughed and continued drying his hair. Only clothed in a t-shirt and basketball shorts, he was a walking fantasy for Kao.
“I’m rarely without facial hair. This feels funny as hell.”
“Really? That attached to it?”
&nb
sp; “Yep.” Brody fell in the recliner opposite him. “I’ve always trimmed it because I thought it made me look more distinguished.” He snorted.
“Nah, you look more like a grizzly bear. I appreciate both looks, but I love seeing your face. Even better that no hair gets in the way while we kiss.”
Brody shook his head and chuckled. “Uh huh. Anyway, did you like the pizza?”
“I can still taste the grease, but it was fine. Thanks for bringing it.”
“You’re welcome. Yeah, I gotta admit, there was plenty of grease on it. That’s what makes it good though. If we go out, I’ll take you to one of the best pizza joints in town.”
“Oh, we’re going out for sure. I already found a few outfits as disguise. Wanna see?”
“Sure.” Brody got up and sat next to Kao while still running the towel through his hair.
Kao eyed Brody, appreciating his new appearance. The brown hair was a nice complement to his eyes and again, Kao loved seeing his face. With his sharp jaws and chin, he was a shoe-in to model. Eventually, Kao hoped he could touch and kiss Brody the way both wanted.
Brody met his gaze and moistened his lips. He blinked but didn’t tear his eyes away from Kao. He sighed aloud and moved back. “So, uh, the outfits?”
“Shit. Sorry.” Kao quickly dropped his gaze and dragged his fingers over the screen. “Here’s one. I love this black off-shoulder dress. Perfect for just walking around or going to the beach.”
“Yeah, it’s great. Damn, that’s kind of pricey.” Brody complained.
“No, it’s not. Here’s another.” Kao moved the screen to a pink minidress with spaghetti straps. He’d found some matching sandals with a three inch heel. “How about that?”
“I like the black one better, but then again, I’m not wearing it.”
Kao laughed, moving his finger over the tablet again. “I’ve also found some shorts and simple blouses. The place can deliver to the hotel too.”
“Nah. I’ll grab them for you. They won’t know your alias and I don’t want to attract undue attention. Since I’ve changed a little, it shouldn’t be a problem for me to go pick these things up. Just order them, but maybe do it on my card.”
Kao made a face. “Why? Since when are you paying for my things?”
“Only so no one knows you’re ordering it. You can pay me back when people are aware that you’re here. For now, I need you to lay low, and that means me running your errands and paying for things.”
“You really think it’s that serious?” Honestly, Kao doubted it. He figured Brody’s cop instincts were kicking in again.
“I might be overexaggerating, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Is that all you found, or did you want to continue looking?”
Kao grinned. “I wanna find lingerie to go with my outfits. Can’t wear boxer briefs with daisy dukes.” He continued peering at Brody. Kao licked his lips while focusing on Brody’s mouth. With no hair obstructing his view, he was even more tempted to kiss him.
“Damn, you are…” Brody gulped hard. The lump in his throat bobbed. “Fuck. Just finish shopping. I need to shampoo and condition my hair.” Brody griped. He promptly got up and walked out the room, not saying anything more.
Kao leaned back, smiling smugly. He thumbed the screen again, then pressed the menu at the top. “Yep. I’m chipping away at that armor, my man. Very soon now, I will have broken through and there won’t be a damn think you could do about it.”
Chapter Fourteen
Brody was glad to get out of the hotel room.
Although he was playing delivery boy instead of security guard, he needed the air before he lost his mind.
Thinking of Kao in dresses and tight shorts was making his job impossible. Thank goodness the tour was about to begin.
After a light breakfast, Brody and Kao headed out to through Times Square. Since neither wanted to remove their sunglasses, they planned to stay outside, avoiding large crowds so they wouldn’t be noticed.
“Can we go up the red stairs? I wanna get a good shot of the area.”
“Sure. I’m right on your heels.” Brody joked, even though his statement was literal. He gently touched his back, letting Kao lead the way up the steps. He tried hard not to stare at the way Kao’s ass looked in the skirt.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Kao wasn’t wearing anything but black lace panties under that mini. The glimpse Kao gave Brody before they left was emblazoned on Brody’s brain. Complicating matters, he wore a sexy halter that barely covered his tats, but the shirt he wore over it, masked his top half well.
Damn.
Brody had to stay focused or all his hard work to this point would go down the tubes.
Despite his desire to touch Kao, Brody moved his hand upwards and patted Kao’s back when he crossed the last step. He looked around, making sure no one came to close, then stood behind Kao as he pointed his camera towards the center of the square. Thank goodness for the hair changes and disguises, or they wouldn’t have gotten out of Los Angeles.
“Wow, what a sight. I can’t wait to share these pictures with fans too. It’s the first time I’ve seen the square from this vantage point. WRL staff wouldn’t let us up here.”
“Why not?”
“Security concerns, but honestly I think they took shit too far. Anything they could do to control us, they did. They could’ve closed it off, let us come down early to watch the sunrise, anything, but they flat out refused. Glad I can finally see it for myself.”
“These dudes sound like tyrants.” Brody moved back to give Kao some space. Although he enjoyed the smell of Kao’s cologne and hair, he had to back off for sanity’s sake.
“You don’t have move.” Kao said as he spun around and licked his reddish pink lips. I kind of liked having shade me from the sun.”
“I’m not your personal cooling unit,” Brody added with a laugh. He rubbed the back of his neck, not able to tear his eyes away from Kao.
“No, but you are my bodyguard.” Again, Kao swiped his tongue over his mouth and bit his bottom lip. He ran his tattooed fingers down from Brody’s collar to the center of his chest.
Brody flinched. Kao’s touch made his breath catch and he cleared his throat. Brody sensed himself overheating, almost to the point of sweating profusely. It was time to get back inside, but knowing Kao, he wouldn’t want to. “Kaaannne.” That was the name they decided on before they left. Although it sounded nothing like what he’d practiced earlier, Brody was happy Kao didn’t slip from his mouth.
“I can’t help it, Brandon.” Kao inched closer to him and rose his glasses, giving Brody a view of his greenish blue contacts. “You’re turning me on.” Kao let his shades go.
“Uh huh. Cut that shit and take your picture so we can leave.” Brody peered over his shoulder again and forced his hands into his pockets.
“But we just got here.” Kao said, sounding like a brat. He even pouted for good measure, which did nothing but arouse Brody further.
Brody wished he could kiss those lips to shut him up.
“Yeah.” Brody sensed eyes watching him. He looked to Kao’s side, noticing a couple of people staring at him. Apparently, his comment must’ve drawn their attention. Perhaps he did sound kind of harsh.
“I know that, but… it’s…” Brody stepped forward and lifted Kao’s chin with his finger. “I’m hot, babe.” Brody lightly kissed his head and ran his hand over his shoulders. “The quicker we leave the square, the faster we can get back to the room and cool off.” Brody cursed under his breath. If Kao didn’t run with that, Brody would think something was wrong with him.
“And who says I wanna cool off?” Kao said with a smile. Once more he lifted his glasses, but this time he winked at Brody.
When Brody looked up again, he saw the two people snickering. Then they went back to minding their own business.
“The air, babe, while…”
“While I do whatever I can to make you hotter.” Kao cut him off and added a laugh. “Let’
s go, honey.” Kao took Brody’s hand and led them in the opposite direction, away from the growing crowd.
“You’re so cute together.” Someone yelled in their direction.
Brody shook his head, not bothering to check out who’d made the comment. Yes, Kao was cute and sure he was attractive without his mustache and newly dyed brown hair.
But they weren’t a couple. At least not yet.
Dammit.
Why was he allowing Kao to lead him into this trap? Hard enough they were staying in the same hotel room, only feet away from each other.
The more Brody thought about what he’d told Arturo, the more he was proving himself to be the liar.
* * * *
When Kao got enough shots, they left. He placed his camera back in his purse, then looped his arm around Brody’s bicep. Although his feet were kind of tired, he enjoyed being out and about without anyone bothering him.
Kao might have to dress up in women’s clothing more often.
“So where to now? Can we go to Central Park?”
“If you want.” Brody sounded distant. He wouldn’t meet Kao’s gaze either which worried him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing really. Just keeping my eyes peeled. I know your distractions aren’t helping.”
Kao snorted. “I can’t help it, man. You look amazing. The tight black shirt, the cargo shorts and sandals. You look so yummy, Brooaandon.”
Brody laughed at Kao messing up his alias. “Same for you, but at least I’m not flirting.”
“You kissed my head on the stairs. That little tap on my skin made me want to throw you on the ground and jump on your dick.” Kao wasn’t kidding. That small gesture made him overheat and tingle in places he’d forgotten about. Little did Brody know making out in public wasn’t a problem for him.
Back in Korea, he took a date to a gay club in Itaewon for Halloween. After causing a scene on the dancefloor, Kao yanked the man into the bathroom, then fucked him properly in the stall. Unfortunately, the guy was an ass and Kao had to break contact with him.