The Truck Driver

Oak Street Beach

Tank shook his head as he glanced in the rearview mirror, catching sight of Kayla curled up under that quilt like she didn't have a care in the world. The warmth of the Waffle House meal had knocked her out, and she was stretched out on her stomach, one arm tucked under the pillow, her braids spilling over her shoulder.

Lil bit done got comfortable for real.

He smirked, shaking his head as he adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. He had a long drive ahead, but he didn't mind. The hum of the engine, the open road, and Kayla's quiet breathing in the back made for a peaceful ride.

For the next few hours, he kept his eyes on the road, cruising steady, only stopping once to refuel and stretch his legs. Kayla didn't stir much, just shifted under the quilt, mumbling in her sleep.

It wasn't until the late afternoon when she finally stirred, letting out a soft groan as she turned over, blinking sleepily.

"Where are we?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

"Almost to Ohio," Tank said, his deep voice steady. "You been knocked out for hours."

Kayla sat up, stretching her arms over her head. "That Waffle House took me out."

Tank smirked. "Yeah, I see that. You been sleepin' good back there."

Kayla scooted to the edge of the bed, peeking into the front. "You need a break? I can keep you company."

Tank glanced at her, then back at the road. "You just now waking up, and you already worried 'bout me?"

Kayla smiled sleepily. "I just don't want you driving tired."

"I'm good," Tank assured her. "I'll stop in a couple hours, grab somethin' to eat, maybe rest for a bit."

Kayla nodded, yawning. "Okay... but if you get sleepy, let me know."

Tank smirked, his light brown eyes flicking to her briefly. "Yeah, yeah. Now go on and wake up fully before you worry 'bout me."

Kayla giggled, climbing up into the passenger seat, curling her legs under her as she looked out at the road ahead. The sun was starting to dip, casting a golden glow over the highway.

"Alright, Tanky," she teased, smirking at him.

Tank cut his eyes at her but didn't correct her.

Tank stopped outside of Cleveland, and parked his truck. The day had been long, and Tank was exhausted, needing to lay down for a bit. He was too tired to even think about getting something to eat. Kayla, however, was still full from earlier, casually snacking on the kettle popcorn she'd picked up at Walmart.

Tank, feeling the weight of the road on his shoulders, stripped down to his briefs, then slipped under the comforter. The bed felt like the sweetest relief, and all he wanted to do was sleep. He had three days to get the load to Milwaukee, but it had only been one full day of driving.

Kayla, never one to let the time go by idle, busied herself. She reached underneath the quilt and found Tank's feet, gently starting to massage them. Her hands moved with ease, soothing his tired muscles, and Tank let out deep groans of satisfaction.

"Thank God for you," Tank mumbled, his eyes half-closed as he allowed himself to relax further under Kayla's soothing touch.

She smiled softly, enjoying the moment, knowing Tank was finally able to unwind. His groans told her everything she needed to know. They had this rhythm, a comfort with one another that felt natural, like they were meant to share these quiet, calm moments in between the chaos of the road.

Tank let out a long, content sigh as Kayla continued massaging his feet. The steady, rhythmic motion of her hands was like a balm to his weary body. He could feel the tension slowly melting away, but there was something else lingering in the air. An unspoken connection that had grown between them, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to acknowledge it yet. For now, though, he just let himself enjoy the relief.