The Truck Driver

Not So Untouchable

Kayla awoke the next morning, feeling the weight of Tank's arm draped over her, his body pressed against hers. He looked peaceful, his breathing slow and steady. She studied him for a moment, admiring the way his thick lashes rested against his cheeks, how his lips were slightly parted as he slept.

She felt light after last night—after everything she had confessed. Tank had listened, truly listened, without judgment. He told her they were in it together, and for the first time in forever, she believed she wasn't carrying the weight of her past alone.

Carefully, she reached for her phone on the nightstand, trying not to wake him. She unlocked it and saw a message from Adonis.

Adonis: I'm sorry, Kay. I really wanted to be there, but Martha was mad that you didn't invited her or Janay, so because they weren't both invited, I couldn't come.

Kayla rolled her eyes, exhaling softly.

Kayla: I understand.

She was disappointed, but honestly, she was glad he hadn't been there to see her break down. The last thing she needed was for Adonis to see her unravel like that.

Her phone buzzed again.

Adonis: I'm coming to the baby shower even if I have to sneak away.

Kayla chuckled, shaking her head. She loved Adonis, and deep down, she knew her mother hated that.

Before she could type a response, Tank stirred behind her, tightening his hold on her waist, his palm resting against her stomach. She felt his warm breath against her neck before his lips pressed softly against her shoulder.

"Mmm... mornin', lil bit," he mumbled sleepily, his deep voice rough with sleep. His hand moved in slow, lazy circles over her belly, his fingers splaying possessively over the small curve.

Kayla smiled, leaning into him. "Good morning, Tanky."

Tank hummed, his lips brushing her skin again. "You up early. What you doin'?"

"Just checking my phone," she said, locking it and setting it aside.

Tank groaned, nuzzling into her neck. "Mm. Ain't nobody more important than me and this baby," he mumbled, voice still groggy.

Kayla giggled as he pulled her closer, his bare chest pressing firmly against her back. Tank was always affectionate, but this morning, he was extra loving. His arms stayed wrapped around her, holding her as if he needed to feel her against him. His lips trailed slow, warm kisses along her shoulder, up the curve of her neck, and behind her ear, making her shiver.

"You feel good, lil bit," he murmured, his deep voice still thick with sleep as his fingers traced lazy patterns over her stomach.

Kayla melted into him, sighing softly. "You're all over me this morning."

"'Cause I want to be," he admitted, tightening his grip. "You mine, and I need you close."

Kayla smiled, rubbing his arm as she turned slightly to face him. His light brown eyes were heavy-lidded, still clouded with sleep, but there was something else there too—something tender.

Tank reached up, gently cupping her face. "You okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I feel... lighter."

He studied her for a moment, his thumb stroking her cheek. "Good. I ain't ever lettin' nobody put that weight back on you," he promised.

Kayla felt her heart swell. Tank was real—his love was real. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, but before she could pull away, he deepened it, his hand sliding down to cup the back of her neck. The kiss was slow, deep, intentional—as if he was trying to show her everything he felt for her without saying a word.