Breaking the Silence (Hard Drive Book 2) by Tricia Andersen Page B

She is named after the stadium in Iowa City. ”
    Avery winced then typed again.
    Mark read it and nodded. “It is an interesting name. I’m from Iowa. I’m a Hawkeye fan.”
    Avery’s face lit up as she went back to tapping on her phone.
    Mark read her message again. “Nope. East side of the state. Cedar Rapids. I used to travel to Des Moines all the time though.”
    Rico huffed as he rolled his eyes. He crossed his muscular arms over his chest. “Seriously? You feel the need to share your life story?”
    Mark shot him a look as Avery scowled at him. “Criticizing my bed side manner?”
    Rico didn’t answer. Mark turned back to Avery. “Your ankle is badly sprained. Nothing more. I will get you a wrap for it and some ice. Stay off it as much as possible so it can heal.” He thumbed over his shoulder at Rico. “This one can wait on you.”
    He stood and disappeared into the kitchen. Rico followed him. He leaned against the counter as Mark pulled a plastic bag from the drawer then opened the freezer. Mark cocked a grin at him. “I take it you didn’t tell her that you’re from Chicago.”
    “Not yet,” Rico huffed. “Are you sure all the stuff with me on it is gone.”.
    “Positive.”
    “Did you check those magazines to see if I’m in them?”
    “Didn’t have to.” Mark tossed a handful of ice cubes into the bag.
    “Why not?”
    Mark chuckled as he gathered one last handful of ice and sealed the makeshift ice pack closed. “I use your covers to line Kinnick’s kennel.”
    “You what?” Rico screeched.
    Mark smirked at him as he slipped back into the living room. Rico stormed after him, catching Mark as he laid the ice pack on Avery’s ankle. Avery wrapped her hand around Rico’s to stop him from stalking after Mark as the big man disappeared down the hallway. She tugged his hand toward the cushion then let go of it long enough to sign. Sit. Please.
    Rico stared down the hall for a moment then sank down next to her. Avery laid her head on his shoulder as she held his hand again. It was only a few moments before Mark reappeared with an elastic wrap bandage. He dropped to his knee and carefully wrapped Avery’s injured ankle. As he secured it, he looked up at Rico with a wicked twinkle in his eye.
    Rico bit back a snarl. He didn’t even want to know what smart ass thought was going through the big man’s mind.
    They visited with Mark and Dan for about an hour. Rico cringed as they told Avery some of their misadventures, spending extra time and details on his part in them. She laughed at their stories, cuddling closer to him as Dan and Mark bantered back and forth. He wrapped his arms around her. He didn’t know if it was the sound of her laughter or having her snuggled against him that made him relax and join in on the conversation.
    As long as they kept his secret, they could tell Avery anything they wanted. Besides, with all the things they had on him, it was about time he defended himself.
    Avery looked at Rico. I promised to go to dinner with Lindsay.
    He nodded at her then slowly unwrapped his arms from around her so he could stand. We should go. He stooped over her to pick her up, but was met with light slaps.
    Enough. Let me walk. You can help me, but let me do it myself.
    Rico pulled his hands back in mock surrender then offered to help her stand. Tugging her to her feet, he braced her against him for support. They said their goodbyes to Mark and Dan. Together they made their way to the vehicle. Rico helped her climb inside then turned to find Mark behind him.
    “Thanks for helping her,” Rico told him.
    The evil grin was back. “Happy to help.”
    Rico crossed his arms over his chest. “What is it, Mark?”
    “Nothing. It’s just not every day you see the great Rico Choate fall in love.”
    Rico shot a cold glare at Mark. “Again, thank you for taking care of her.” He stormed around the Jeep and jumped in, leaving Mark laughing on the curb. He breathed a sigh of relief as they