Breaking the Silence (Hard Drive Book 2) Read online

  “Good. I get to keep you close to home for at least one of them.”

  “And I’m taking you with me for the second. I hated being away from you for that long. I always want you by my side.” Max squeezed her hand affectionately.

  Chloe stopped for a moment to press a kiss to his cheek. Together, they walked to the Mustang waiting in the parking lot. They talked non-stop the entire way to Hard Drive. Max rested his hand on her knee as he drove. She couldn’t believe how much she had missed him. Next time, they would have to let the guys run things here.

  Max held open the door of the gym to let his wife walk through. Chloe laughed as Max was bombarded by students dying to talk to him. She wasn’t the only one who had missed him. His magnetic personality was what made Hard Drive thrive. They had doubled their class sizes since they had bought the place from Jack, the former owner who recruited Max relentlessly, less than a year ago. Students, both men and women, loved learning from him. He was patient. He was understanding. Chloe took a long, hard look at him. And he was hot.

  “Chloe!”

  She turned to find Rico striding from the locker room. By the way his hand was fisted, she could tell he was holding his Jeep keys. “What’s up, Rico?”

  “Hey, man,” Max addressed.

  “Hey, Max. I need to borrow your wife,” Rico proposed.

  “Umm. All right. You’re not even going to ask how the trip went? We have a fight in eight weeks and then a second a few weeks later. You and me. We need to start training today.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Rico turned to Chloe. “So, are you coming?”

  “Max just got home. I want to spend time with him.”

  “It’ll be just a couple minutes.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “The coffee shop.”

  “What is it with that place? They have good coffee, but you’re hooked worse than I’ve ever seen.”

  Rico shrugged. “I can’t get that barista out of my head. I can’t stop thinking about her. I even dreamed of her last night. She won’t give me the time of day. I don’t get what I’m doing wrong.”

  “And I’m supposed to do what?”

  Rico grinned. “Talk me up. She’ll chat with another woman.”

  Chloe cast an astounded look at Max then turned back to Rico. “So, in short, you want me to be your wingman?”

  “Yeah. That’s pretty much what I want.”

  Chloe looked helplessly at Max. He pulled her closer and kissed her cheek. “Go ahead. I’ll be here when you get back.”

  “Okay. Then, let’s go,” she sighed, discouraged.

  She followed Rico outside, murmuring a quiet “thanks” as he helped her into his vehicle. She bit back a laugh as he rambled on while he drove. In the little over a year that she had known him, she had never seen him so rattled. And by a girl no less. He was always cool, calm, and collected around women. This one must be something to have the great Rico Choate scrambling around like a nervous schoolboy.

  Chloe softly whistled to herself as she hopped from the Jeep and crossed the parking lot. She stopped short as Rico grabbed her arm.

  “Wait,” he gasped out.

  “What? Now you don’t want to go?” she questioned, irritation seeping into her voice.

  “I do, but…we can’t seem to be together. I don’t want her to think I have a girlfriend.”

  Chloe lifted up her left hand, turning the back toward him. Her rings sparkled in the sunlight. “Rico, I’m married. You have no rings. Obviously, you aren’t the guy.”

  “Maybe I took my rings off.”

  “Maybe you should have brought Max.” She tugged open the door and led him inside. Blinking to adjust to the dim light of the coffee shop, she scanned the room for the barista he was obsessed with. She smiled then stepped up to the counter.

  A black haired girl with dark make-up forced a polite smirk on her face. “Can I take your order, miss?”

  “Yes. I’d like an iced tea, please,” Chloe answered with a smile.

  “And for the gentleman with you?” The barista pointed her pencil over Chloe’s shoulder. She cast a glance back at Rico, noticing him bopping and weaving to see who was working. He almost looked like he was in the octagon. She shook her head and turned back to the girl. “Nope. He’s just tagging along with me.”

  The barista grinned at her. “Your boyfriend is cute.”

  “He’s not my boyfriend. More like an annoying brother.”

  “Oh. Too bad.” The girl winked past her then typed on the cash register.

  Chloe could tell by the motion behind her that Rico never picked up on the flirting. Or if he did, he didn’t care. This woman must really be something.

  She paid for her drink then took a step back. Suddenly, she felt the sharp pain of an elbow in her spine. “She’s right there,” Rico hissed in her ear.

  Chloe glared at him then slowly looked to where he nodded. It was hard to watch without being obvious, studying the blonde barista as the girl took the order from the cashier. She stepped to the cooler to pull out a jug of dark liquid then fetched a plastic cup. She added ice cubes then poured the tea. She capped it with a lid and set it on the counter.

  Chloe approached with a friendly expression then subtly raised her hand to her chin then moved it away. The blonde’s smile blossomed across her face as she raised her hand and returned the gesture. Chloe picked up her drink and a straw then turned toward the door. She was nearly to the Jeep when Rico caught up with her.

  “That was it? You didn’t even talk to her!” he demanded.

  Chloe spun around. “Yes, I did.”

  “I didn’t see you speak to her.”

  “Rico, you didn’t notice?”

  “Notice what?”

  “That girl, Avery, is deaf.”

  His face went slack with disbelief. “How’d you figure that out?”

  “I watched her sign with the cashier. The cashier talked to me, so she’s not deaf. And when I signed ‘thank you’ to Avery, she signed back ‘you’re welcome.’” She carefully demonstrated each sign to him.

  Rico shook his head. She could see the sudden realization and then disappointment in his eyes. “I don’t know sign language. I’d learn just to talk to her. But I don’t even know where to start. How did you even know she was signing?”

  “My mom had to homeschool me because of my Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. She thought it would be good to learn another language. Instead of Spanish or German or French, I learned to sign.” She shoved her drink into his hands. “Just wait here. I’ll go talk to her again. I can’t promise anything. Do you know how long it’s been since I was in high school? I’ve only signed once or twice since then.”

  She spun on her toe and strode back into the café, not stopping until she reached the pick-up counter. She smiled as the blonde barista turned to her. Chloe lifted her hands and signed, Hi, Avery. My name is Chloe Thomas. I have a question.

  Avery stared at her with a puzzled expression. Then, she responded, her fingers graceful as she formed the words. Yes, what can I do for you? And you don’t have to sign. I can read lips.

  Chloe smiled. “Oh good.” She cocked her head toward the parking lot then turned her mouth back toward Avery. “My friend who was with me, Rico, thinks you are beautiful and would love to meet you. Would you be interested?”

  Avery looked out the window, watching Rico pace the sidewalk as he waited. Her face flushed pink as she signed. Sure.

  “Would it be all right if we stop back tomorrow?”

  Yes. My shift ends at two. Will that work?

  “Absolutely. We will see you then.”

  Chloe waved her good-bye then stepped out of the café. Rico rushed to her. “What did you find out?”

  “You and I are coming back here tomorrow afternoon when her shift is over. I’ll translate, so you can talk to her.” She took her iced tea from his hand then stepped around him. “Now, can I go back to Hard Drive and spend time with my husband? Besides, you need to start
fight camp.”

  Rico chuckled as he helped her into his vehicle.

  Chapter Two

  Rico brushed a piece of lint from his tight, black T-shirt. He stretched his arm across his broad chest to rub the elbow of his other arm. He winced as a jolt of pain shot through it.

  Before coming to the coffee shop for his date with Avery, he had sparred with his friends at Hard Drive. Dan had locked him in an arm bar for longer than he’d liked. But Rico had been able to escape, and then during the scramble, secure his friend in a triangle. He made Dan tap out, but the scrawny blond was far stronger than Rico realized. His elbow would ache for a couple of days.

  He stepped up to the counter, studying the chalkboard mounted to the brick wall behind the coffee machines to find something to drink. He never was one for fancy coffees. Americano, cappuccino, double shot espresso—none of it looked appealing. The iced tea looked safe.

  As he waited for the barista to return to the register, he glanced over to find Avery preparing a customer’s mocha. As his eyes locked with hers, he flashed a dazzling smile. Her cheeks flushed pink as she turned her attention back to her customer. Yep. She’s hooked.

  The bushy-haired redhead with thick, horn glasses who helped Rico the first couple of times appeared behind the register. “Rico Choate,” he breathed, sounding awestruck. “What can I get you?”

  Rico glanced at the barista’s nametag this time. “Well, Cody, iced tea will be fine. And get me a coffee too, for my friend,” Rico answered.

  Cody typed into the register. “Awesome. I hear you’re here to talk to Avery.”

  Rico watched Avery work, his eyes raking over her figure. “That I am.”

  “Dude, you can’t tell her who you are.”

  Rico laughed. “What do you mean I can’t tell her who I am?”

  Cody glanced over at Avery warily. He looked like he was certain he would get busted. Then, he leaned across the counter and spoke in hushed tones. “You can’t tell her about being huge in the MMA.”

  “Why not?”

  “She hates celebrities. Doesn’t matter what kind they are. If you have any sort of following, she despises you. I’ve watched her set those celebrity magazines on fire behind the shop.”

  Rico frowned. He certainly had a following. He had fans who tracked his career back from his boxing days in high school. “Great advice. Thanks, man.”

  “No problem.” Cody took Rico’s grin with an adoring smile. Rico chuckled as he stepped away from the counter to wait for the drinks.

  The tinkling bell on the door announced the arrival of another customer. Chloe stepped in, dressed in a T-shirt and denim shorts, her hair up in its customary ponytail. Rico took the drinks from Avery with a wink then hurried across the room to sit at the table Chloe had chosen next to the large, front window. He glanced behind to catch Avery slipping her apron off and disappearing into the back room, probably to punch out.

  “Hey,” Chloe greeted, as Rico set the cup of coffee before her. “Thanks. Did you put—?”

  “You can doctor your coffee in a minute,” Rico snapped as he dropped into the chair beside her. “We got to talk.”

  “You don’t have to bite my head off.”

  “I’m sorry. But this is important. We can’t mention my career in MMA, Hard Drive, fighting, or anything. We met at the gym. I hang drywall. That’s it. And I’m one of those crazy bodybuilders. I have never been near an octagon, other than to go watch a fight or two with buddies. All right?”

  Chloe stared at him, clearly baffled. “Wait. What?”

  Rico grinned as he watched Avery approach. “I’ll explain later,” he muttered as he stood to greet her with a hug then pulled out her chair.

  Chloe shook her head confused. She forced a smile on her face for Avery. “Hello, Avery. This is my friend, Rico.”

  Avery signed something in answer. Rico looked at her, puzzled. “She says it’s nice to meet you, Rico,” Chloe reported.

  “I want to know more about her,” Rico requested.

  “Then tell her that, you moron. I just talked to her, didn’t I? Just look at her so she can read your lips.”

  “Oh.” Rico felt his cheeks warm. He hoped Avery couldn’t see him blushing. By her amused smile he could tell she noticed. He took a deep breath. “So, Avery. Tell me about yourself.”

  Avery responded with her hands. Rico watched her long, delicate fingers as they formed the words. An urge built deep inside him to kiss the tips of each.

  Chloe smiled as Avery finished and began translating. “I was a Marine. I served as a military police officer in Afghanistan. I’m now working on my Masters in Psychology at the University of Minnesota.”

  Rico frowned. Instinctively, he pointed to his ear. “I didn’t think…”

  He was distracted by Avery’s flying fingers. He noticed her crystal blue eyes narrow angrily as they did. The smile faded from Chloe’s face. “I lost my hearing in combat. IED.”

  Rico’s heart swelled with pride. He barely knew this girl, and he could tell she was something incredible. Definitely not one-night stand material. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. Can you talk?”

  Avery’s lips turned up in a small smile as she responded. Chloe spoke. “No. My vocal cords are mostly paralyzed. I’m not sure if it was from the blast or from when I was intubated for surgery. They tried to repair it. I went through months of therapy to try to make it work. I can make some noises. I can laugh a little. But when I tried to talk it didn’t work. Maybe someday they’ll work. Right now they don’t.”

  Rico winked at her. “Give it a try. I’d love to hear it. I’m sure it’s music.”

  “You’re sweet. But no.” Chloe laughed as she faced Avery. “He’s something else, isn’t he?”

  “Hey now,” Rico scowled at Chloe then turned to Avery with a smile. “That’s too bad. I’m sure your voice would be as incredible as the rest of you.”

  Avery blushed as her fingers flew. Chloe laughed before she translated. “You’re a smooth talker, aren’t you?”

  “For you, baby, it’s only the truth.”

  Avery shook her head and stood. She signed then held her hand out to Rico. “Right. I have to get to a study group. It was nice to meet you, Rico.”

  Rico leapt to his feet. “Let’s go to dinner tonight.”

  Avery picked up her back pack. She slipped it on her shoulder then signed.

  “I don’t know.” Chloe frowned at him. “This one’s from me, not her. How do you plan on pulling that off?”

  “You can come with. Bring Max. We’ll double.”

  Chloe rolled her eyes. Rico turned back to Avery. “So, are you interested? I would love to take you to dinner. Maybe at eight at that little Italian restaurant two blocks over?”

  Avery looked apprehensive at first, but then she nodded. She pulled her hand back, and then waved to both of them before she slipped out the front door of the café.

  It took all of Rico’s self-control to keep from dashing off to his vehicle and breaking every speed limit between the cafe and his apartment to get ready for their date. However, the death glare he was getting from Chloe told him to root himself in his chair. He plastered on a smile for her as he sipped his iced tea. He would owe her big for all this. He grimaced. Unfortunately, she knew that.

  They plotted out how Chloe would translate between them that evening. They would go to the nice Italian place Max liked. Chloe could sit in the corner by the wall where both could see her. And Max…

  Rico sighed. On second thought, he would owe Max huge too, for commandeering his wife for the evening. And he didn’t even want to know what Max would demand. Max kept mentioning that he’d like to tear down the wall between the office and the conference room at Hard Drive to make one big office. It’s good I like to do demolition work. Reframing the wall is going to stink.

  Chloe took the final sip of her coffee. “Thanks for sticking around for me. You can go, though.”

  “Hey,” he replied, “I w
as just spending time with my sis. Besides, if I wanted to go, I would just go. I’m a big boy.”

  “No, you wouldn’t.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “You’ve been fidgeting in your chair since Avery left. Go. Go home. Get pretty for your date.”

  “I don’t need to get pretty,” he scoffed. “I’m drop dead gorgeous. But thanks.” He pecked Chloe on the cheek and slipped out the door. He knew she was watching him sprint to his Jeep. Whatever. He’d deal with her teasing later.

  He raced home, not stopping until the shower water was running and sweaty gym clothes littered the floor. He normally camped out under the hot stream for at least a half hour, especially after being at Hard Drive. He couldn’t risk being late, though. He scrubbed as quickly as he could then rinsed and toweled dry. Then, he tugged on a blue shirt that matched his eyes and black slacks.

  After running his fingers through his thick, dark hair a couple of times, he slipped on his shoes, locked his door, and jogged back to his vehicle.

  »»•««

  Rico paced the foyer of the restaurant as he waited for everyone else. His stomach was in knots as he glanced around the dining room at the checkered tablecloths and the brass lamps over each table. He had been out with hundreds of girls lately. There was something about this one though. Avery wasn’t the kind of girl he could wine and dine and take back to his apartment to stay the night. She was the kind of girl a man built a future with.

  He stopped moving and frowned. Am I ready for that?

  As he turned toward the door, the question disappeared from his mind. His eyes flew open wide, and his mouth went slack. He was certain he looked like a complete idiot. Even worse, he didn’t care.

  Avery stood in the doorway dressed in a mint green, floral sundress with brown leather sandals on her feet. Her long, blonde curls were held up in a ponytail that cascaded down her back. She smiled shyly at him. Awestruck, Rico took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. He didn’t let it go as they followed the waiter to a table. As they settled into their chairs, they looked up, and their eyes met.

  Then, it struck Rico like lightning—they couldn’t communicate. He growled. He wanted to learn everything there was to know about this woman. Yet, he couldn’t understand the way she spoke. She could read his lips but it would be a one-way conversation. He wasn’t going to just talk about himself. He wasn’t that conceited. He looked up to see Avery watching him waiting for him to speak.