The Truck Driver

From Boston, MA to Milwaukee, WI

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."