The days passed in a comfortable rhythm for Kayla. Mornings started early, the smell of coffee brewing as she and Miss Sherri walked the land, tending to the animals before the sun got too high. Miss Sherri was patient, guiding Kayla through each task with a steady hand and a kind voice, never making her feel like she didn't belong.

"Now, baby, be gentle when you reach under 'em," Miss Sherri said one morning as Kayla crouched down beside the chicken coop. "They don't like nobody snatchin' up they eggs too quick."

Kayla nodded, carefully sliding her hand under the hen, feeling the warmth of the fresh egg against her palm. She grinned as she placed it in the basket. "Like this?"

"That's real good, sugar," Miss Sherri praised, nodding approvingly.

Kayla found herself looking forward to these moments. She hadn't had a mother figure like this growing up—someone who taught her things with patience and love. Miss Sherri treated her like she belonged, like she was one of her own, and Kayla soaked up every bit of it.

When they weren't tending to the animals, they were in the kitchen. Miss Sherri showed her how to make Tank's favorite meals, walking her through each step.

"You wanna keep the heat low when you makin' this gravy," she said, stirring the pan. "Tank love his smothered pork chops thick and seasoned right. You add too much flour, and it'll taste like paste."

Kayla listened intently, jotting down notes in a little notebook she kept tucked in the kitchen drawer. She wanted to be able to cook for Tank just like this, to see that pleased look on his face when he ate something he loved.

"Tank's always been a good eater," Miss Sherri said with a small smile. "That boy could put away a whole pot of greens by hisself if you let 'im."

Kayla laughed, picturing it. "He does eat a lot," she agreed.

Miss Sherri turned to look at her, her expression softer now. "You takin' good care of my boy?"

Kayla felt warmth spread through her chest at the question. "I try," she admitted. "He takes good care of me, too."

Miss Sherri nodded, satisfied with that answer. "That's all I can ask for, baby."

As the days turned into weeks, Kayla realized something—she wasn't just learning how to take care of the farm or how to cook for Tank. She was learning how to be part of a family, how to accept love without questioning it. And she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Kayla stood at the stove in a fitted nightgown, making Tank some smothered pork chops just the way Miss Sherri had taught her. The gravy was thick and seasoned just right, coating the tender chops perfectly. On the side, she had a pot of rice steaming and green beans simmering with a little smoked turkey for flavor. The house smelled amazing, a warm, homey scent that reminded her of how much she loved taking care of Tank in this way.

He had been gone for three days, taking a load up to Maryland, and she missed him more than she expected. The bed felt too big without him, the house too quiet. Even though she knew he was out making money, she hated sleeping alone now. She should've gone with him, but Tank told her to stay back since he had to pass through Richmond, and he knew that might stir up some feelings for her.

Now, though, he was fifteen minutes away, and she could barely contain her excitement. She had already taken a bath, moisturized her skin until it glowed, and slipped into something soft and fitting just for him. Tank liked coming home to her, and she liked being here for him.

Just as she finished setting the table, she heard the deep rumble of his rig pulling up the drive. Her heart skipped as she rushed to the door, swinging it open before he could even step inside.

Tank climbed out of the truck, his tall, muscular frame moving with that effortless country confidence that made her stomach do little flips. He looked tired but good—real good—his tan work jacket hanging open over a black T-shirt, those gray sweatpants slung low on his hips. His light brown eyes softened the moment they landed on her.

"Hey, baby," he drawled, stepping up onto the porch.

Kayla didn't even let him get both feet inside before she wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face into his chest. "I missed you," she mumbled against him.

Tank chuckled, his deep voice vibrating against her skin as he pulled her even closer. "Missed you too, lil bit," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

She inhaled deeply, taking in his scent—his cologne mixed with the faint smell of diesel and the crisp night air. It was familiar, comforting.

Tank pulled back just enough to look down at her, running a hand over her soft cheek. "What's that I smell?" he asked, his lips curving into a small grin.

"Smothered pork chops, rice, green beans and honey biscuits," Kayla told him, her voice sweet and full of pride.

Tank groaned in appreciation. "Damn, girl, you really tryna spoil me, huh?"

Kayla smiled up at him. "Maybe a little."

Tank leaned down, kissing her forehead before stepping inside, shrugging off his jacket as he made his way to the kitchen. He looked around, taking in the neatly set table, the clean house, the warm meal waiting for him.

He exhaled, feeling something settle deep in his chest. This was what he worked for—coming home to his girl, a hot meal, and peace.

As Kayla grabbed him a plate, Tank caught her wrist and tugged her back toward him. "Come 'ere," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist.

She giggled, resting her hands on his broad chest. "You need to eat first."

Tank shook his head. "I been thinkin' 'bout holdin' you for three days. Food can wait."

Kayla melted into him as he lifted her off the ground slightly, holding her tight like he never wanted to let go.

Kayla wrapped her legs around him as he held her tight, her arms locked around his neck. Tank let out a low groan, gripping her thighs to hold her steady.

They haven't done anything in the three months they'd known each other, barely kissed, just one the time when Kayla leaned in to steal a kiss. But Kayla had wanted to kiss him and more importantly have sex with him. She just didn't know how to initiate it. She was shy, inexperienced, and unsure of what to do. Her last relationship she just laid there and let her boyfriend have his way. However Tank... well, he wasn't about to push her into anything she wasn't ready for. He liked her too much for that.

But right now, with her soft body pressed against him, her scent filling his lungs, and the way her fingers clung to the back of his neck—he was struggling.

Kayla pulled back slightly, her face inches from his, her brown eyes searching his own. She swallowed, her lips parting like she wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come out.

Tank smirked slightly, tilting his head. "What, lil bit?"

She shook her head, shyly looking down. "Nothing..."

"Nah," he drawled, walking them over to the couch and sitting down with her still in his lap. "You look like you got somethin' on your mind."

Kayla hesitated, then let out a breath. "I wanna... but I don't know how."

Tank raised a brow. "Wanna what?"

She blushed, chewing on her lip. "Kiss you for real not just a peck..." she whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear.

Tank's chest tightened. He'd been patient, letting her come to him on her own time, but hearing her admit that? It did something to him.

"You sure?" His voice was low, deep, like he was giving her a chance to change her mind.

Kayla nodded slowly. "Mhm..."

Tank let his fingers slide up her back, threading into her braids as he held her gaze. He didn't rush. He wanted her to feel every second of this.

"Come 'ere, then," he murmured.

Kayla's heart pounded as she leaned in, her lips brushing his for the first time. Soft. Hesitant. Innocent.

Tank let her lead, let her explore, but when she sighed against his lips, something in him snapped. His arms tightened around her as he deepened the kiss just enough to let her feel him—slow, warm, patient.

Kayla whimpered softly, gripping his shirt as a shiver ran down her spine. She didn't know kissing could feel like this, make her knees weak, make her whole body warm all over.

Tank pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as they caught their breath.

"How was that?" he asked, voice rough.

Kayla giggled, her cheeks hot. "Can we do it again?"

Tank chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled her back in. "Come 'ere, girl."

Kayla's breath was ragged, her lips swollen from Tank's kisses. Her body burned in a way she'd never felt before, every nerve ending tuned in to him. When he kissed her, it wasn't just lips meeting—it was a slow, deep, intoxicating pull that left her lightheaded.

Tank let out a low chuckle as he rested his forehead against hers, his hands still gripping her hips. He could feel her body reacting to him, the way she pressed closer, the way her little whimpers turned to soft moans.

But he had to stop.

He exhaled hard, forcing himself to pull away. "We need to eat, lil bit."

Kayla blinked up at him, dazed. "Why?"

Tank groaned, running a hand down his face before gripping her thighs again. "'Cause if we keep messin' 'round, I just might have you stuck between this sectional." His voice was thick, deep with restraint, his chest rising and falling as he tried to calm himself down.

Kayla shivered at his words, her stomach flipping. The way he said it, the weight of his voice, the way his hands still held her tight—it made her thighs squeeze together.

Tank noticed. He smirked, shaking his head. "C'mon, girl. Lemme eat before I do somethin' I know yo' ass ain't ready for."

Kayla pouted a little but slid off his lap, her body still buzzing. She had never wanted someone so badly in her life, and she knew Tank wanted her too. But she also knew he was being patient with her, not rushing anything.

She respected that.

She watched as he adjusted himself slightly before standing, his body tense as he walked toward the kitchen. Kayla bit her lip, following behind him.

As she grabbed their plates, Tank came up behind her, his big hands settling on her waist. He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear.

"Keep playin' with me, Kayla," he murmured, his voice dripping with warning.

A thrill ran down her spine. She turned slightly, looking up at him with innocent eyes. "I didn't do anything'..."

Tank smirked, shaking his head as he swatted her behind lightly. "Mhm. You somethin' else, lil bit."

Kayla giggled as they sat down to eat, but the tension between them lingered thick in the air. Tank barely said a word as he ate. All the food he had on the road couldn't compare to her cooking.

Tank leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach with a satisfied groan. "Damn, girl," he drawled, eyeing Kayla with pure appreciation. "These pork chops hittin'. Taste just like Mama's."

Kayla beamed at the compliment, her cheeks warming. "She taught me," she said proudly, watching as he took another bite.

Tank shook his head, chewing slowly, savoring the flavors. "Nah, this all you," he corrected, reaching for another honey biscuit. He took a bite, humming in satisfaction. "And these biscuits? Shit, girl, you showin' out."

Kayla giggled, twirling her fork between her fingers. "I just wanted to make sure you had a good meal after bein' on the road."

Tank studied her, his light brown eyes softening. The way she cared for him, the way she put in effort just to make sure he was taken care of—it meant somethin' to him.

He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "I appreciate you, lil bit."

Kayla looked down at their hands, his big, calloused fingers wrapping around hers. "I appreciate you too, Tanky," she murmured, her voice sweet.

Tank smirked at the nickname, squeezing her hand before letting go. He had to keep himself in check. The way she looked at him, the way she moved, hell, even the way she cooked for him—he wanted her bad. But he knew she was still shy, still inexperienced, and the last thing he was gonna do was rush her.

But damn, the tension between them was thick.

Kayla bit her lip, her eyes flickering up at him through her lashes. "Tank?"

"Yeah, baby?"

She hesitated for a moment, playing with the hem of her nightgown. "You really been waitin' on me?"

Tank leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "Yeah," he said simply. "Ain't no rush. I want you to be sure. When it happens, I want you to be ready, not just 'cause you feel like you gotta."

Kayla's heart fluttered. She had never had a man consider her feelings the way he did. Never had someone be so patient, so understanding.

She swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think I'm ready..."

Tank exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening as he studied her. "Kayla," he warned.

"I am," she insisted, her fingers gripping her fork. "I just..." she trailed off, her face growing hot.

Tank chuckled, shaking his head as he stood up and walked around the table. He reached for her chin, tilting her head up so she had no choice but to look at him. "Aight, then. When you know you ready, you let me know. But until then, Imma keep takin' care of you, just like this."

Kayla searched his face, seeing nothing but honesty in his eyes. Her heart melted as she nodded.

Tank leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead before stepping back. "Now, let's clean up. Then I'm takin' my ass to bed before you tempt me into doin' somethin' crazy."

Kayla giggled, standing up to do the dishes, but her mind was already made up. She was ready—she just had to show him.

Kayla climbed into bed, slipping under the covers as she listened to the sound of the water running in the bathroom. Her body was warm, her skin tingling with anticipation. She had never wanted anything—or anyone—this bad before.

She shifted, pressing her thighs together as the ache between her legs deepened. She didn't know exactly how she was going to show Tank she was ready, but she would. She was going to make it clear.

The bathroom door creaked open, steam rolling into the room as Tank stepped out, towel slung low around his waist. Kayla's breath hitched. His skin glistened with droplets of water, muscles flexing with every movement. He ran a hand over his head, shaking off the extra water before locking eyes with her.

"You still up?" he asked, his deep voice thick with exhaustion.

Kayla nodded, pushing up on her elbows. "Yeah, I was waitin' for you."

Tank smirked, walking toward the dresser to grab a pair of briefs. "That right?"

Kayla swallowed hard, watching the way his back flexed as he pulled on his briefs, dropping the towel. She quickly looked away, her face growing hot.

Tank chuckled. "You shy now? After all that kissin' earlier?"

Kayla rolled her eyes, biting back a smile. "Shut up, Tanky."

He climbed into bed beside her, reaching over to pull her into his arms. She melted into him instantly, pressing her face against his chest, breathing him in. He smelled like his body wash, fresh and clean, but underneath that was the warm, familiar scent that was just him.

"You comfy?" he murmured, running his hand up and down her back.

Kayla nodded. "Yeah."

They lay there in silence, the hum of the cicadas outside filling the room. Kayla's heart thumped against her ribs, her fingers twitching against his chest. She wanted to touch him more. Feel him more.

She tilted her head up, her lips brushing against his jaw. Tank stilled, his grip on her tightening.

"Kayla..."

She ignored the warning in his voice, pressing another soft kiss to his neck. She felt his chest rise and fall, the slow exhale he let out.

"You tryna start somethin' you ain't ready to finish?" he asked, his voice lower now, rougher.

Kayla swallowed, her nerves fighting with her need. But she didn't back down. Instead, she leaned up, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

Tank groaned, his hand gripping her waist. "You sure?" he murmured against her lips.

Kayla nodded, her fingers gripping his shoulder. "I'm sure."

Tank exhaled, his forehead pressing against hers. He knew this was a big step for her. He wanted her to be certain.

"Last chance to change your mind, lil bit," he whispered, his fingers tracing slow circles against her hip.

Kayla looked into his eyes, her breath shaky. "I don't wanna change my mind."

Tank searched her face for any hesitation. When he found none, his resolve snapped.

"Come 'ere," he murmured, flipping her onto her back as he hovered over her, his lips capturing hers in a slow, deep kiss.