Whatever, Cowboy.

The Ranch_4

This chapter takes place Tyler's POV!!

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  The day dissipates away after Austin and I found Jackson, the dark brown stallion whose coat gleams in the sun, hiding by a lake. I love that horse but he can be a real ass and I don't mean Penelope. Looking over to Austin's face I notice his eyebags are a reddish purple, and his eyebrows naturally furrow as he sways; the poor thing resisting any chance of sleep while watching Charlie. "Let's sit for a minute, Austin." I insist, his eyes tracing my face, subtly moving down whether it be from sleep or amusement; his mouth ajar quickly.

"I'm fine! Let's keep walking back." He replied breathlessly, huffing in between footsteps. It's getting darker and the longer we stay out here with low energy the more likely we are to be eaten by coyotes. However, I detest the idea of him straining any further so I lift him high and begin walking at my pace. Austin throwing a fit for being swayed off his feet so quickly.

"Listen, Darling." I sighed, sounding intensely similar to my mother, "We need'a get back before the sunsets fully."  My eyes trudged on commanding my body to continue forward. He's watching me. Analyzing my movements like a rattlesnake. My eyes glance down calmly as his dart toward the lamb, a whirl of emotions dancing through his blue eyes. Looking at him now, he is dashing. The eyes of a calm sea, his lips smooth, his strong jawline, his veins pulling from the skin of his neck, the loose shirt still denying its purpose of covering him. My eyes begin to explore lower as I catch myself. What in the hell fuck-for-brains thoughts were those!? My eyes returned to the path ahead, the top light of Momma's room brightly illuminating the sky; a shadow moving back and forth through the room. I set Austin back on his feet just after we got onto the porch, opening the door for him. "Momma, we're back! Found Jack and headed back out to the river to find where he was bef-" She cuts me off with a suffocating hug. I scared her again, a singular tear rushing to the surface in guilt. "I'm sorry, Momma."

"I was so scared you wouldn'ta made it home safe," Mamma whispered into my ear. The room stayed silent, my mother slowly relaxing and her shaking hands sliding down and off my back. "Where'd your partner go?" She asked, finally releasing her grasp to look around the house, Austin was in the kitchen warming a feeder bottle of milk.

"It's impolite to use someone's kitchen before asking, boy." She argued, secretly proud he knew to feed Charlie.

"I'm so sorry! I wasn't trying to overstep any boundaries!" He shrieked, he's a funny one when he gets embarrassed. "I just thought Charlie would need something to eat soon." Austin admitted anxiously, ranting so quickly Momma may not've heard if it weren't for our history of fast talkers.

"You're fine, Darlin'. I was just kiddin." Momma replied before a large yawn overtook her. "Tyler, help me fix up the laundry. Then get Austin set up in your room."

"Yes, Momma." I agreed, taking her arm awkwardly; leading her up the wooden stairs. "Are you feeling alright, Momma? You never need help up the stairs too."

"I'm fine, Tye. I am just tired and becoming grouchy." Momma whispered back.

I wonder if Austin is uncomfortable here. Guess I should let him take the bed unless he prefers the floor. However, once I got the room prepared for an extra person, I went back downstairs to tell 'im but... he was gone. Charlie is wrapped in a tyme, handmade blanket.