Tank woke up slowly, feeling the warmth of Kayla's back against his bare chest. He wasn't sure how they had ended up like this, but he didn't mind. His arm was still draped around her waist, and her breathing was slow and steady, signaling that she was still in a deep sleep. The peacefulness of the moment settled over him, and for a brief second, he just enjoyed the closeness.

His phone buzzed softly in the background, pulling him away from the calm. Tank shifted slightly, careful not to wake Kayla as he reached for his phone. His eyes quickly scanned the screen, noticing a new notification: a load pickup from Boston, MA to Milwaukee, WI. It was a good one — paying $8,500 for the haul. Tank didn't hesitate for a second, accepting the job.

He glanced back down at Kayla, still asleep in his arms. She hadn't mentioned what her plans were beyond this trip, but he figured she'd just keep tagging along. She hadn't really had a destination or a place to go, and Tank wasn't rushing her into making any decisions. The road had a way of working things out, and with the cash he'd make from this next load, maybe they'd have some time to figure things out.

Tank let out a quiet sigh, running a hand across his head as he checked the time. It was going on 9 a.m. and he needed to start getting ready to hit the road. But for now, he was content just being here, holding onto Kayla as the morning light filtered softly through the windows. It felt nice—comfortable. Something he hadn't realized he was missing.

As Kayla stirred in his arms, Tank gently adjusted his grip, not wanting to wake her just yet. He'd let her sleep a little longer before they got moving. The day ahead was full, but he had no problem taking his time.

He kissed the top of her head lightly, a small gesture that surprised even him. "We got a long ride ahead, Kayla," he murmured quietly, just loud enough for her to hear if she woke. "Gonna be a good one, I can feel it."

He lay back for a moment, just holding her close, letting the tranquility of the morning wash over them before the world outside started calling.

Kayla stirred slowly, her body still warm from the cocoon of blankets and Tank's embrace. She stretched, feeling the soreness from the long drive but also the comfort of being close to him. As her eyes fluttered open, she glanced up at Tank, who was still lying next to her with his arm around her waist.

Tank noticed she was awake and gave her a gentle smile. "Mornin'," he said in his thick Mississippi drawl, voice still hoarse from sleep. "I got a load to pick up in Boston, gotta take it to Milwaukee. We should hit the road in a bit."

Kayla nodded, rubbing her eyes as she sat up, her braids falling over her shoulder. She smiled at the thought of another trip with Tank, the two of them heading out on the open road. "Can I come with you?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

Tank chuckled softly, the corner of his mouth pulling up into a smirk. "You ain't gotta ask, Kayla. Of course, you can come with me," he said, squeezing her shoulder affectionately.

Kayla smiled brightly, leaning over to hug him tight. "Thanks, Tanky," she murmured against his chest. Her arms lingered around him, unwilling to let go for just a moment longer. He was the one constant in her life right now, and that felt good.

After a few seconds, Kayla pulled away and sat up, stretching again. "But before we leave, I gotta go into Walmart and grab a few things," she said. "You know, just some stuff for the road."

Tank nodded, looking over at her with a small frown. "You need some cash for that?" He offered, ready to pull out his wallet.

Kayla shook her head with a small grin. "Nah, I'm good. I got my debit card," she replied. "Plus, we're not gonna be here anymore. I don't think my stepdad or mom would come all the way to Maine to find me."

Tank raised an eyebrow but didn't push. He could tell she didn't want to talk too much about her family situation, and he wasn't going to pry. Still, he couldn't help but feel protective of her. He had a feeling that whatever her past held, it was tough. But he wasn't about to judge or ask her to open up.

"Alright, just don't take too long in there," Tank said, grabbing his keys and standing up. "I'll be right here when you get back."

Kayla smiled at him and nodded, quickly slipping on her sneakers. "I won't be long, I promise," she said as she grabbed her purse, her thoughts already moving to what she'd need for the trip. Tank watched her for a moment, wondering where this road would take them and what the future might hold.

As Kayla left the truck, Tank settled back into his seat, taking a deep breath as he started making plans for the rest of the day.

Tank chuckled as Kayla climbed into the truck, unloading the bags in the passenger seat. "You sure know how to spoil me, lil bit," he teased, his southern drawl making the words feel even warmer.

Kayla smirked, shaking her head as she buckled in. "I just don't want you getting cranky from hunger. Plus, I like making sure you're comfortable," she said, giving him a quick glance.

Tank shifted the truck into gear, pulling out of the parking lot. "Well, you definitely got that part covered," he said, his eyes flicking to her as he winked. "I'ma appreciate all this once we hit the road."

Kayla's heart fluttered a little at the wink. She was getting used to the way Tank looked at her, the little things he said that made her feel like she mattered. It felt different with him, more real than she had ever felt with anyone else.

She settled into the seat, her mind buzzing with thoughts, but she didn't mind the quiet moments between them. Those were the times she felt the most at ease.

"So, what's the plan when we get to Boston?" Kayla asked, breaking the silence.

Tank glanced over, giving her an easy smile. "We'll pick up the load, then hit the road to Milwaukee. Shouldn't take long. Just need to get some gas and keep it moving."

"Got it," Kayla said, nodding, before she reached over to grab a bag of chips. "Well, I guess I'm officially your road trip snack buddy now."

Tank laughed, his deep voice rumbling. "Ain't no complaints from me. I'm good with that."

As they drove through the streets, the open road ahead felt like a new beginning, and Kayla couldn't help but feel like this adventure with Tank was just starting to unfold.

The highway stretched out before them, the hum of the truck almost lulling Kayla into a calm state. Tank's hand rested casually on the wheel, his focus on the road, but every now and then, his eyes would flicker to her. It was like a silent understanding between them, an unspoken connection that was building with every mile.

Kayla looked out the window, her thoughts drifting as she ate a few chips. She was glad to be away from everything back home—away from her stepdad, the tension that weighed her down. Here, with Tank, it felt like she could breathe, like she didn't have to pretend to be someone else. It was strange, but in a good way.

Tank noticed the way she was staring out the window, her thoughts clearly somewhere else. He could tell she was still adjusting to everything, but he figured she would talk when she was ready. He glanced at her again, catching her with her hand resting on the seat next to her.

"You sure you okay, lil bit?" he asked, his voice low but steady, laced with genuine concern.

Kayla turned her head to him, offering a small smile. "Yeah, I'm good. Just thinking," she said quietly, her eyes meeting his for a brief second before looking away. "I've never done something like this before. Just up and leaving, no plan, no real destination." She paused, then added with a small laugh, "Guess it's kinda freeing."

Tank smirked, his eyes staying on the road but his voice softened. "I get that. Ain't nothin' like hittin' the road with no plans, just seein' where it takes ya." He let out a small chuckle. "But, I gotta admit, it's a bit better with company."

Kayla's smile grew, and for the first time, she felt like she didn't need to be so guarded. There was something about Tank that made her feel... safe, like she could let her walls down a little without fear of being judged.

"Thanks, Tanky," she said, a bit shyly this time.

Tank's eyes flicked to her, and he couldn't help but grin. The way she said his name, like it was something just between them—it hit him differently than he expected. "Don't make me start gettin' used to that, lil bit," he teased, but his voice was softer, warmer than usual.

Kayla laughed, the sound filling the truck. "Maybe you should get used to it. You're stuck with me for the long haul, after all."

Tank chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "Ain't no complaints here, lil bit. You're good company."

The miles passed, the road unfolding ahead of them. They talked, laughed, and shared stories, the easy camaraderie growing with each passing moment. Kayla had no idea how long this trip would last or where it would take her, but for she wasn't afraid to find out.

Tank eventually made it to Boston to pick up another load from Walmart. He had knack for making truck driving so easy and Kayla was definitely intrigued.

Tank maneuvered the truck into the loading dock with practiced ease, his focus unwavering as he expertly guided the massive rig into position. Kayla sat in the passenger seat, eyes glued to the way Tank moved—his confidence, his strength, his ease with the truck. There was something about watching him work that made her admire him even more. She couldn't help but notice the muscles in his arms flexing as he handled the truck, his hoodie pulled off and draped over one shoulder.

She watched as he climbed down from the cab, and the sight of him—tall, muscular, and so confident—made her heart skip a beat. Every day that passed, it was becoming harder for her to ignore the way she felt around him. He was strong, protective, and had this quiet charm about him that drew her in more than she was willing to admit. But she didn't say anything—she couldn't. She didn't want to make things awkward between them, especially not when everything was going so well.

Tank turned and flashed her a quick, easy smile as he opened the back of the truck. "Stay put, lil bit. Let me handle this load," he called over his shoulder.

Kayla gave him a small nod, trying to hide the flush that crept onto her cheeks as she watched him work. He moved effortlessly, lifting and arranging boxes like it was second nature to him. The way his muscles shifted under his shirt, the way his movements were so sure—it was hard to ignore the attraction building inside her. But she couldn't let herself get lost in that, not when she still had a lot of unknowns about this whole situation.

She sighed softly, leaning back in her seat. Her mind was racing with thoughts she didn't want to entertain—about how close she was getting to Tank, how easy it felt to be with him, and how much she wanted to just let go and admit that she felt something deeper than just gratitude for his protection. But she didn't want to ruin what they had, especially not when things were starting to feel so natural.

Tank finished up with the load, walking back to the truck with a satisfied look on his face. "That's done," he said, pulling himself back into the driver's seat. "Ready to roll?"

Kayla nodded, still quiet, though her mind was far from silent. "Yeah, I'm ready."

As Tank started the engine and they pulled away from the loading dock, he glanced over at her, sensing the quiet tension in the air. "Everything good, lil bit?" he asked, his voice soft and low, almost like he was trying to read her.

Kayla hesitated for a second before answering, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Yeah, everything's fine," she said, offering a smile. But deep down, she knew she was lying to herself.

Tank didn't push it, but the way his eyes lingered on her for just a moment told her that he knew something was different. He didn't ask, though, respecting her space.

The miles passed in comfortable silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them, neither of them quite sure how to bridge the gap that was slowly forming. They were both treading carefully, aware of the growing attraction between them but unsure where it would lead.

Tank managed to drive for three hours to Albany before deciding on taking a rest stop. He needed to shower, and exhaustion was creeping in fast. Reaching for one of the bottled waters Kayla had bought, he twisted the cap off and took a long sip, sighing as he cut off the engine. His body was stiff from the hours behind the wheel, and he needed to stretch, wash off, and reset before they continued the haul.

Kayla, sitting beside him, noticed the heavy weight in his eyes. He was tired—really tired. She knew he pushed himself hard, always making sure things were running smooth and that she was good. It didn't go unnoticed.

"Grab your change of clothes and caddy," Tank told her, his deep voice laced with exhaustion as he rubbed the back of his neck. "We 'bout to shower."

Kayla didn't argue. She already knew the drill. Tank wasn't about to let her out of his sight at these truck stops. It wasn't about control—it was about protection. He had seen too much out here on the road, knew what kind of men lurked in these places, waiting for easy targets. And Kayla, with her pretty face and soft brown skin, was exactly the kind of girl they'd notice.

She grabbed her things, making sure she had everything she needed before following Tank inside. The truck stop was clean enough, well-lit, and busy, but that didn't mean much. Tank kept a close eye on everything, scanning the area as they made their way toward the showers.

"You go," he told her as they reached the private stalls. He handed her the key to one, making sure she was settled before taking the stall right next to hers. "Lock the door. I'll be right here."

Kayla nodded, stepping inside and locking the door behind her. She could hear Tank moving in his stall, and somehow, that small bit of closeness made her feel safer. She quickly undressed, turning the shower on and letting the warm water rush over her. The tension in her shoulders eased as she lathered up with the fruity body wash she'd bought earlier, inhaling the familiar scent.

Meanwhile, Tank was in his own stall, letting the hot water work through the tightness in his muscles. He rolled his shoulders, exhaling deeply as the steam filled the small space. He wasn't just tired—he was drained. But he'd keep pushing, just like always.

Fifteen minutes later, Kayla stepped out, towel wrapped around her body as she quickly dressed. She knocked on Tank's stall door lightly. "I'm done."

"Aight. Hold tight, I'm almost done," he called back.

Kayla leaned against the wall, brushing her damp braids back into a loose bun as she waited. A few truckers walked past, giving her quick glances, but she ignored them, keeping her focus on the door.

A few minutes later, Tank stepped out, fresh and clean, wearing a pair of gray sweats and a fitted T-shirt that clung to his solid chest. He smelled good, like soap and something distinctly him. Kayla found herself staring before quickly looking away.

"You ready?" he asked, grabbing his bag.

She nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

Tank placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked out, guiding her past the lingering truckers without a second thought. Kayla didn't say anything, but she felt it—that silent protection he always gave her.

And she liked it.

As they made it to the truck, Kayla offered another massage, and Tank happily accepted. He locked the doors, covered the windows, and pulled the curtains shut, creating their own little space away from the world. Without hesitation, he pulled off his shirt, his toned muscles flexing as he stretched before settling on the bed.

Kayla sat beside him, squeezing some of her strawberry mango lotion into her palms. The scent filled the air, sweet and warm. Tank smirked as he caught a whiff, shaking his head. "So, I'm 'bout to be smellin' all fruity now?"

Kayla laughed, rubbing her hands together to warm the lotion before placing them on his broad shoulders. "Yeah, but don't act like you don't like it," she teased, digging her fingers into the tight knots in his back.

Tank groaned low in his throat, his eyes fluttering shut. "Mmm, lil bit, you might mess 'round and put me to sleep with this."

Kayla giggled, working her way down his back, pressing her thumbs into the deep tension along his spine. "Good, you need the rest."

Tank exhaled deeply, letting himself relax under her touch. Her hands were small but firm, and she knew exactly how to work out the tension. He didn't get moments like this often—where he could just breathe, just exist without worrying about the road or the next load.

"You ever thought 'bout bein' a masseuse?" he mumbled, voice thick with drowsiness.

Kayla smirked. "Nope, but maybe I should consider it since you always need one."

"Nah, you already mine," Tank muttered without thinking.

Kayla paused for a split second before continuing. "Oh, I'm yours now?" she asked playfully, but her voice held something deeper beneath the teasing.

Tank cracked one eye open, smirking. "You ridin' with me, sleepin' in my truck, keepin' me company. Sound like mine to me."

Kayla bit her lip to hide her smile. "Mmhmm, whatever you say, Tanky."

Tank shook his head, but that little nickname— yeah, he secretly liked it.

Kayla continued working her hands over Tank's back, pressing into the firm muscles with just the right amount of pressure. His body was warm beneath her touch, and she could feel him completely unwind. His deep breaths, the slow rise and fall of his chest, let her know he was finally letting go of the day's exhaustion.

She smoothed her hands down his back, then moved up to his shoulders again. "You fallin' asleep on me, Tanky?" she teased.

Tank let out a deep chuckle, his voice rumbling through his chest. "Nah, but you keep this up, I just might." He cracked one eye open, peeking at her. "You tryna get me all soft, huh?"

Kayla smirked, leaning back on her heels as she finished up. "You already soft, just don't wanna admit it."

Tank snorted, shaking his head. "Ain't nothin' soft 'bout me, lil bit. But I appreciate ya hands, though." He rolled his shoulders, testing the looseness. "Damn, I needed that."

Kayla wiped the leftover lotion from her hands onto her thighs. "I could tell. You always tense."

"Lot comes with this life," Tank admitted, sitting up and stretching. His abs flexed as he moved, and Kayla caught herself staring before quickly looking away.

He noticed, though. He always noticed.

Tank leaned back against the headboard, tilting his head at her. "What's on ya mind?"

Kayla shrugged, playing with the hem of her tank top. "Nothin'."

Tank wasn't buying it. "Mmhmm. You sure?"

Kayla sighed, finally meeting his gaze. "Just... it's nice. Bein' here, talkin' to you. Feels like I can breathe."

Tank nodded, his light brown eyes softer than usual. "Ain't gotta hold ya breath 'round me, Kayla. I told you, you safe here."

Kayla held his gaze for a moment before nodding. She believed him.

Tank checked his phone and noticed it was almost 10 p.m. They needed to be on the road early. "Aight, get comfy. We hittin' it early in the mornin'."

Kayla nodded and slid under the covers. Tank reached over, cutting off the overhead light before joining her. Like clockwork, Kayla curled up next to him, her back to his chest. Tank didn't even hesitate this time—he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her in close.

"You warm," Kayla mumbled sleepily.

Tank smirked against her shoulder. "And you all soft," he teased.

Kayla hummed, too tired to go back and forth with him. Within minutes, her breathing evened out, and Tank followed right behind her, falling into one of the best sleep he'd had in a long time.

Tank woke up to the soft rise and fall of Kayla's body against his. The warmth of her pressed into him was something he was getting used to—maybe too used to. He wasn't sure when it happened, but she had found her place tucked into his side like she belonged there. And the crazy thing was, he didn't mind.

He exhaled deeply, blinking a few times before glancing at the time on his phone. 4:45 a.m. If they got moving soon, they'd be able to knock out a good stretch of the drive before traffic picked up.

He rubbed his hand down his face, trying to wake himself up fully. Kayla stirred slightly but didn't wake. Her braids were messy from sleep, some slipping from the bun she had put them in last night. She looked peaceful, her lips slightly parted, her hand resting against his chest.

Tank smirked. Lil bit done got comfortable.

He shifted slightly, running a hand down her back. "Kayla," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.

She hummed but didn't move.

"Come on, wake up," he said, giving her waist a little squeeze.

Kayla groaned, pressing her face deeper into his chest. "Five more minutes," she mumbled.

Tank chuckled. "Ain't no five more minutes. We gotta hit the road, ma."

She sighed heavily, finally blinking her eyes open and looking up at him. "You always movin'."

"That's the job, lil bit," he smirked. "Go brush ya teeth. We rollin' out soon."

Kayla yawned, stretching before rolling out of bed. She grabbed her toothbrush and headed toward the small sink area to freshen up. Tank watched her for a moment before getting up himself, slipping on a pair of sweats before stepping outside to do a quick walk-around of the truck.

The morning air was crisp, a little cooler than he liked, but it helped wake him up. He checked the tires, the trailer, making sure everything was solid before heading back inside. Kayla was sitting on the edge of the bed, tying her sneakers.

"You eat somethin' before bed last night?" he asked, grabbing his hat.

Kayla shook her head. "Nah, but I can just eat one of the apples I bought."

Tank frowned. "That ain't enough. We stoppin' for breakfast."

Kayla smirked. "You tryna fatten me up?"

"Nah, I'm tryna make sure you eat somethin' real," he shot back, pulling on his hoodie. "Now, let's go before we behind schedule."

Kayla grabbed her bag and followed him out, climbing into the passenger seat as Tank got settled behind the wheel.

"You cold?" he asked, noticing the way she rubbed her arms.

Kayla shook her head. "I'm good."

Tank didn't believe her, but he let it slide as he turned on the heater. He started up the truck, letting the engine warm for a moment before pulling out of the rest stop.

"Where we eatin' at?" Kayla asked, adjusting in her seat.

Tank smirked, glancing at her. "You ever had Waffle House?"

Kayla grinned. "Tank, take me to Waffle House."

Tank chuckled as he merged onto the highway. "Say less, lil bit."

The drive to Waffle House was smooth, the early morning roads nearly empty. Kayla curled up in the passenger seat, one leg tucked beneath her as she stared out at the dark sky just beginning to lighten.

Tank glanced at her between checking his mirrors. She looked comfortable, like she belonged right there next to him.

Damn. He shook the thought off. He was getting too used to her being around.

"You excited for this Waffle House experience?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Kayla smirked, turning to him. "You act like I never had Waffle House before."

Tank cut his eyes at her playfully. "You from up north, so I gotta ask. Y'all don't appreciate Waffle House like we do down south."

Kayla giggled. "I've had it before, but you right, I ain't have it in the way you probably do."

Tank smirked. "Then I'm 'bout to put you on."

Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the small Waffle House parking lot. The neon yellow sign buzzed in the early morning light, and the smell of bacon and waffles hit them the moment they stepped out of the truck.

Inside, the restaurant was quiet, only a few truckers and overnight workers scattered in booths. Tank led Kayla to a booth in the corner, letting her slide in first before taking the seat across from her.

A waitress with a tired smile came over. "Mornin', baby. What can I get y'all?"

Tank didn't even need the menu. "Lemme get a Texas bacon cheesesteak melt, hash browns—smothered, covered, and chunked—and a sweet tea."

Kayla raised an eyebrow. "Damn, you ordered that quick."

Tank smirked. "Told you, I been here a few times."

Kayla turned to the waitress. "I'll get the all-star special. Bacon crispy, eggs scrambled with cheese. And a sweet tea too."

The waitress scribbled it down. "Comin' right up, baby."

Kayla leaned back in the booth, stretching her arms. "You really love this place, huh?"

Tank chuckled. "Man, Waffle House be hittin' every time. After a long drive, ain't nothin' like a good meal from here."

Kayla smiled, resting her chin in her hand. "I like seeing you like this."

Tank raised a brow. "Like what?"

"Relaxed," Kayla said softly. "You always drivin', always focused. But here, you look like you actually chillin'."

Tank held her gaze for a moment before smirking. "You tryna say I be too serious?"

Kayla laughed. "Sometimes. But I like this side of you."

Tank didn't know how to respond to that, so he just shook his head with a smirk. Before he could say anything, their food arrived, the plates steaming and full.

"Aight, lil bit," Tank said, grabbing his fork. "Lemme see if you know how to really eat Waffle House."

Kayla giggled. "Boy, hush and eat your food."

Tank chuckled, shaking his head. Yeah, he was gettin' real used to this girl.