Tank helped Kayla out of the Uber, and they both stood on the sidewalk, taking in the view of Oak Street Beach. The city stretched out before them, towering buildings in the distance and the lakefront offering a serene contrast with the sound of waves lapping against the shore. The air was warm, but there was a cool breeze that made it feel just right. It was a beautiful day to be outside, and Tank felt a sense of peace as he looked over at Kayla.

"You ready?" Tank asked, his eyes bright with excitement.

Kayla nodded, grinning as she slipped her sandals off, feeling the soft sand beneath her feet. She couldn't help but let out a content sigh. The weight of the road, the long hours, and the cramped truck seemed to melt away in an instant. She felt free, like she could truly breathe again.

"This is perfect," Kayla said, glancing up at Tank with a smile.

Tank, too, felt at ease. The chaos of his usual schedule was put on pause, and the only thing that mattered right now was being here with Kayla. He led her toward the water, feeling a sense of anticipation build in his chest. It wasn't just the beautiful surroundings; it was the fact that they were finally outside the truck, not worried about a deadline or the road.

As they walked along the shoreline, the cool water splashed against their feet, and they both let out laughs as the waves teased them. Tank couldn't help but notice how lighthearted Kayla looked, the way she smiled and played with the waves. It was a side of her he hadn't seen much of, and it made his chest tighten with affection.

They spent the next hour walking along the beach, enjoying each other's company and taking in the view of the skyline that contrasted with the calmness of the lake. Tank was content, feeling an unusual but welcome sense of peace in the moment. He hadn't had a break like this in a while—no deliveries, no truck stops, just time to focus on something else for once.

Eventually, they found a spot on the sand, and Kayla sat down, leaning back to soak in the warmth of the sun. Tank joined her, stretching out next to her. For a while, they simply relaxed, listening to the waves and enjoying the silence between them.

"I could get used to this," Kayla said, breaking the silence. "Being away from the truck... away from all the noise."

Tank turned to her, his gaze softening. "Yeah, me too," he replied. "But it's nice, ain't it? Just the two of us, no rush."

Kayla nodded, smiling as she stretched her arms above her head. "Definitely," she said quietly. "I'm glad I'm here."

Tank felt a warmth in his chest. He wasn't sure what had drawn him to invite Kayla along in the first place, but now, he couldn't imagine doing it without her. It wasn't just about the companionship—it was the way she made everything feel a little brighter, even in the middle of their busy lives.

They spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach, the time slipping by faster than either of them expected. Tank was grateful for this break, and even more so for the way Kayla had become a constant in his life, making the journey a little less lonely.

When the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the water, they both knew it was time to head back. But as they walked back toward the Uber, Tank couldn't shake the feeling that this day, this moment, was something they would remember for a long time.

"Chicago's not so bad," Kayla said with a grin, as she glanced up at him.

Tank chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, it's got its charm," he replied. "But you know what? I think I like the company more than the city itself."

Kayla looked up at him, her eyes softening. "Me too, Tanky Me too."

As they climbed back into the Uber, Tank felt a sense of contentment settle over him. They were heading back to the truck, to the road, but for now, everything felt perfect.

By the time they made it back to the rest stop, Kayla was tired, but they needed to shower and get out of their wet clothes. They stopped at the truck to grab their caddies before heading to the showers. Tank's possessive instincts kicked in when some truckers eyed Kayla as they made their way inside. His jaw tightened, and he placed a firm hand on the small of her back, guiding her ahead of him.

He paid for the shower stalls, his eyes still sweeping the area, making sure no one got too bold. Once inside, he locked the door behind them, securing their space. "Go 'head and shower first, lil bit," he told her, setting his stuff down.

Kayla nodded, too tired to argue. She moved behind the curtain and quickly undressed, turning the water on hot to soothe her tired muscles. Tank sat on the bench, leaning back against the wall, listening to the sound of the water rushing. He could hear the soft hum of Kayla sighing in relaxation, and for some reason, it settled something in him.

He ran a hand over his face, exhaling. His body was exhausted, but his mind was wired. The way those truckers had looked at her didn't sit right with him. She was young, beautiful, and out here in a world full of men who didn't care about anything but themselves. He wasn't about to let anything happen to her.

Kayla finished up quickly, stepping out in a fresh pair of shorts and a T-shirt, her braids damp from the steam. "Your turn, Tanky," she mumbled sleepily, barely keeping her eyes open.

Tank smirked at the way she said his name, but he didn't comment on it. "Sit yo' tail down and don't open this door for nobody, ya hear?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "I know, I know," she said, plopping down on the bench and pulling her knees to her chest.

Tank grabbed his stuff and stepped behind the curtain, letting the hot water run over his body. His muscles ached from the long drive, and the heat worked its magic, easing some of the tension. He washed quickly, knowing Kayla was probably fighting sleep on that bench.

When he stepped out, steam curling around him, he saw her curled up, her head resting against the wall. His chest tightened at the sight—small, tired, trusting.

"Come on, lil bit," he said softly, nudging her knee.

Kayla blinked up at him, still half-asleep, and nodded. She got up, stretching before following him back to the truck. Once inside, she wasted no time climbing into the bed, wrapping herself up in her quilt.

Tank locked the doors, pulling the curtains shut before stripping down to his briefs and sliding in beside her. He wasn't even sure if he'd make it through a full thought before knocking out.

"Night, Tanky," Kayla mumbled, already drifting off.

Tank smirked to himself, shaking his head as he pulled the covers over them. "Night, lil bit," he murmured before sleep finally claimed him.

Tank held her throughout the night as she held onto him. Her body was warm, soft, molding perfectly against his. He hadn't realized just how natural it felt to have her close until now.

He woke up naturally at 2:30 a.m., his internal clock never failing him, but he didn't need to be in Milwaukee until noon. No rush. He could make the drive around 9 a.m. and still get there in time.

Kayla shifted in his arms, her body pressing into his as she sighed in her sleep. Tank smirked, his eyes studying her peaceful face in the dim light.

Then, soft as a whisper, her lips parted.

"Tank," she sighed, her voice barely audible but laced with something sweet.

Tank's smirk faltered. His eyes narrowed slightly as he waited, wondering if she was waking up. But her breathing stayed steady, deep, lost in sleep.

And then—

"Oh, Tanky," she moaned softly, her voice breathy, delicate.

Tank's jaw clenched as he stilled, watching her carefully. Was she—?

He checked again. Her eyelids didn't flutter, her breathing didn't change. She was still deep in sleep.

Shit.

It dawned on him then. She was dreaming. And from the way her body shifted, the way her thighs pressed together, the way her lips parted slightly—Tank knew exactly what kind of dream it was.

Heat spread through his body as he exhaled through his nose, trying to ignore the way she moved against him. His grip on her waist tightened for just a second before he forced himself to ease up.

She had no idea what she was doing to him. No idea what kind of thoughts were running through his mind.

He should wake her up. He should pull away.

But damn... hearing her say his name like that? Feeling her body shift in response to whatever was playing out in her head?

Tank ran a hand down his face, exhaling hard.

This girl was gonna be the death of me. Tank thought.

Tank watched her closely, his mind running in circles as he settled back into the bed. Kayla's grip on him tightened, her fingers curling against his bare skin, her body instinctively seeking his warmth. If he had any doubts before, they were long gone now.

She was dreaming about him.

But what did it mean?

Did she see him the way he was starting to see her? Or was it just a fleeting moment in her subconscious?

He'd caught her staring before, her eyes lingering a little too long, but he had brushed it off. Maybe she was just grateful for everything—having somewhere safe to be, someone looking out for her. Maybe that was all it was.

But what if it wasn't?

What if she wanted him the way he was starting to want her?

Tank let out a slow breath, staring up at the ceiling as he tried to push the thought away. He didn't want to assume anything. He wasn't about to risk making her uncomfortable, especially when she trusted him enough to be here with him.

Still, as he felt the slow rise and fall of her chest against his side, the warmth of her breath fanning over his skin, and the way she unconsciously nuzzled closer...

It was getting harder to ignore the way she made him feel.

Tank drifted back to sleep, letting the steady rhythm of Kayla's breathing lull him into rest. By 8:30 a.m., he was up, brushing his teeth, getting dressed, and preparing to hit the road. He had to be at the Walmart in Milwaukee by noon, so he didn't waste time.

As he settled into the driver's seat and pulled onto the highway, he caught sight of Kayla stirring in the back. Her hand moved lazily across the empty space beside her, searching. He smirked as she dramatically sighed before her eyes fluttered open, locking onto his.

"You searchin' for somethin'?" Tank taunted, his deep voice laced with amusement.

Kayla held his gaze, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. "Yeah, my human pillow."

Tank chuckled, shaking his head as he merged onto the road. He didn't say it out loud, but he remembered the way she had called for him in her sleep, the way she moanedd his name so softly in the middle of the night.

Yeah, he remembered.

But he wasn't about to bring it up. Not yet.

Instead, he let his eyes linger on her for a second longer before turning his focus back to the road. "You gon' be alright back there, or you need me to pull over so you can climb up front?"

Kayla stretched, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before sitting up. "I'll come up front in a little bit," she murmured, still waking up.

Tank smirked, gripping the wheel. "Take ya time, lil bit. We got a smooth ride ahead."

Kayla took her time waking up, stretching her arms before tossing the quilt off her legs. She still felt warm from the way she had curled up beneath it, but the space beside her was cooler now that Tank was no longer in the bed.

She glanced toward the front, watching the way he gripped the wheel with one hand, his other arm resting lazily on the armrest. The way his muscular arms flexed with every turn of the wheel had her biting her lip before she even realized it.

Shaking off her thoughts, she finally crawled into the front seat, plopping down into the passenger side and pulling her knees up.

"You sleep good?" Tank asked without looking her way.

Kayla hesitated for a second before nodding. "Yeah... real good."

Tank smirked, knowing exactly why. He could still hear the way she had moaned his name in her sleep, the way her body had reacted. But he wasn't gonna tease her about it—at least not yet.

Instead, he reached for the bottle of water beside him and took a long sip before passing it to her.

"Drink some," he said. "You don't drink enough water."

Kayla rolled her eyes but took the bottle anyway, sipping from it before setting it in the cupholder. "You sound like an old man," she teased.

"Nah, I just know how to take care of myself," Tank shot back, flashing her a smirk. "And you, too, apparently."

Kayla shook her head but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her lips.

For the next few hours, they rode in comfortable silence, the hum of the truck filling the space between them. Kayla had freshen up and re-emerged to the front. Kayla played some music on her phone, soft R&B floating through the speakers, making the atmosphere feel even more relaxed.

By the time they reached Milwaukee, it was close to noon, and Tank navigated his way to the Walmart distribution center with ease.

"Aight, we here," he said, parking the truck in the designated loading area.

Kayla glanced around, watching the other trucks lined up before turning back to him. "How long you think this'll take?"

"Couple hours, give or take," Tank replied. "You can stay in the truck or come out, up to you."

Kayla thought about it for a moment before unbuckling her seatbelt. "I'll come out. I've been cooped up long enough."

Tank smirked. "Aight, but stay close."

Kayla rolled her eyes. "I know, I know. You don't gotta tell me twice."

Tank just chuckled as he hopped out of the truck, stretching his arms before heading to meet the workers who would help unload. Kayla followed behind, feeling the cool Midwest air hit her skin as she took in their new surroundings.

Something about being on the road with Tank—traveling from state to state, experiencing new places—felt freeing. She didn't feel like she was running from something.

She felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

Tank clenched his jaw as he caught a few truckers glancing in Kayla's direction. She wasn't doing anything special—just standing next to him, scrolling on her phone—but that didn't stop the lingering stares. Dressed in those tight-ass yoga pants that hugged her curves just right and that fitted long-sleeve shirt, she was bound to draw attention.

And Tank didn't like that. She was his. Well... unofficially. But still.

His possessiveness kicked in as he shifted closer to her, resting a protective hand on the small of her back. The touch was light, subtle, but enough to make sure any man with wandering eyes knew to keep it moving.

Kayla barely noticed, too focused on whatever she was looking at on her phone, but when she felt his palm settle against her lower back, she glanced up at him.

"What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothin'," Tank muttered, even though his gaze flickered toward another trucker who was eyeing her a little too long.

Kayla followed his eyes and smirked when she caught on. "You jealous, Tanky?" she teased in a whisper, nudging him slightly.

Tank cut his eyes at her but didn't move his hand. "Ain't nobody jealous, lil' bit. Just don't like folks starin' at what's mine."

Kayla's stomach flipped at his words, but she played it cool. "Oh, I'm yours now?"

Tank exhaled through his nose, a small smirk forming on his lips. "You been mine."

Kayla bit her lip to hide her smile, but her cheeks felt warm. She didn't push it further, but the way Tank's hand rested on her back the entire time they waited for the unload said everything she needed to know.

And she liked it.

As they stood there waiting, Kayla let Tank's words settle in her mind. You been mine. The way he said it so casually, yet with so much certainty, sent a shiver down her spine. She wanted to test him, push him a little further, but she also didn't want to ruin whatever was forming between them.

Tank kept his hand on her back, his fingers pressing just enough to remind her he was there, that he meant what he said. The truckers eventually lost interest, going about their business, and Tank relaxed just a little.

"You hungry?" he asked, breaking the silence between them.

Kayla shrugged. "I could eat."

"Good. After they unload this load, we eatin'. Somethin' good."

Kayla smiled, knowing that meant he was already thinking of a spot. She didn't argue—Tank always made sure she was fed. It was just one of those things about him she was getting used to.

The unloading took a little longer than expected, but eventually, they were back on the road, heading into Milwaukee. Tank drove with ease, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on his thigh.

Kayla eyed him, her mind drifting back to what he said earlier.

"You really meant what you said back there?" she asked after a moment.

Tank glanced at her, his light brown eyes filled with something unreadable. "I don't say shit I don't mean, lil' bit."

Kayla swallowed, her heart picking up pace. "So... what does that mean exactly?"

Tank smirked, shifting gears as he pulled onto the highway. "It mean exactly what it sound like. You mine."

Kayla exhaled slowly, gripping her seatbelt as she processed his words. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, but the way he said it—like it was a fact, not up for debate—had her feeling a way she wasn't ready to name just yet.

But she didn't fight it.

She just let it be.