The Truck Driver

Generational Wealth

Tank began unloading their stuff from the rig while Kayla wandered through the house, taking everything in. The modern farmhouse was an open-concept two-level home, and she was beyond impressed. It was the kind of place that could easily be featured in Architectural Digest—high ceilings, sleek but cozy decor, large windows that let in natural light, and a kitchen straight out of a luxury home magazine.

She ran her fingers over the marble countertops, admiring the contrast between the black cabinets and gold hardware. The living room was spacious yet warm, with a massive sectional, a stone fireplace, and family photos on the wall.

Tank had worked hard for this. She knew that much.

What really surprised her, though, was that he wasn't the only one who lived on the land. His family had a 10-acre plot where they all built their own houses. His parents, his older sister Tanya and her family, his older brother Terrance Jr. and his family, and his oldest sister Tamera and her family.

Tank was the baby of the family.

And while he hadn't paid for the land—since his parents and siblings had already purchased it when he was younger—he had fully paid for his farmhouse to be built.

Kayla turned as Tank walked in, setting down their bags. He watched her with a small smirk, his light brown eyes dancing with amusement. "You gon' keep staring, or you gon' say something?"

Kayla shook her head, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter. "I'm not gonna lie, Tanky... I didn't expect this."

Tank arched a brow as he pulled his hoodie off, tossing it onto the couch. "Expect what?"

"For you to have all this," she admitted, motioning around. "I mean, I knew you had money, but this house... this land... your whole family out here? This isn't just some truck driver lifestyle—this is generational wealth type shit."

Tank chuckled, rubbing his hand over his head. "Yeah, my folks made sure we had somethin' to build on. I just did my part."

Kayla nodded, impressed. "You worked for this."

"Damn right," Tank said. "And I ain't stoppin', either."

Kayla bit her lip, looking at him differently. She had always been attracted to Tank—his body, his face, his voice. But now? Seeing how he carried himself, how he built something for himself? That did something to her.

Tank noticed the way she was looking at him, and his smirk deepened. "What?"

Kayla shrugged. "Nothing."

"Nah, that ain't nothin'," Tank teased as he stepped closer, tilting her chin up. "You givin' me them eyes."

Kayla rolled her eyes playfully. "Boy, shut up."

Tank chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I know you tired from that ride. You wanna shower and chill?"

Kayla nodded. "Yeah... but uh, where am I'm sleeping?"

Tank gave her a knowing look. "Where you think?"

Kayla smirked but didn't argue as he led her toward the master bedroom.

Kayla unwinded as she stepped into the large shower, letting the hot water cascade over her body, washing away the stress of the long drive and the emotional weight she had been carrying. She took her time, needing the moment to herself. Meanwhile, Tank put her things away in the closet, making space for her like it was second nature.

Instead of waiting for her to finish, Tank decided to take his own shower in the guest bathroom. He was exhausted, and he wanted to lay down as soon as possible. By the time he was out, Kayla was still in the master bathroom, so he headed to the kitchen to heat up the food his mama had left for him. Shepherd's pie.