How to get a Cowboy 101 ⎯ a Ryan story [Yellowstone]

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On their way back to the barn, the sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the rolling landscape. The horses walked at a steady pace, hooves rhythmically hitting the ground as they moved in sync. Colby, riding beside Jane, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Hey," he started, his voice gruff but sincere. "About how I acted when we first met. I, uh... I was outta line. Just wanted to say sorry."

Jane glanced over at him, her expression soft. "Don't worry about it," she said, her voice carrying the same warmth she had shown since she arrived at the ranch. "We all have bad days. Besides, I've been around enough rough men to know you didn't mean anything by it."

Colby looked relieved, nodding. "Thanks. I appreciate that."

They rode in silence for a while longer, the barn coming into view in the distance. Ryan, who had been up ahead, circled back with a grin. "So, cards and beer tonight?" he offered, his eyes flicking between Colby and Jane, clearly eager to unwind.

Jane smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie settling in. "Sounds like a plan," she agreed, the thought of kicking back after a long day appealing to her.

As they neared the barn, they spotted Lloyd, Teeter, and Walker lounging outside. Teeter was leaning against the side of the building, her signature mischievous grin in place, while Walker strummed absentmindedly on his guitar. He looked up as they approached, his gaze settling on Jane for just a second too long before flicking back to his strings. He always seemed to watch her like that, quietly observing.

Walker held the door open just wide enough for everyone to file in, his eyes trailing Jane as she passed. She caught the look and raised a brow, but said nothing, her attention pulled instead to the sight inside the bunkhouse.

To everyone's surprise, there sat Jimmy, lounging in a chair with two girls by his side. The sight was so unexpected that it took a moment for anyone to react.

The brunette, sipping from a beer bottle, waved casually. "Helped ourselves to some of your stash," she said with a cheeky grin.

The blonde, clearly confused, turned to Jimmy with wide eyes. "You said there was only one girl here, not two," she accused, eyeing both Teeter and Jane. Jimmy, red-faced and stumbling over his words, quickly corrected her.

"That's Jane," he explained awkwardly. "She's the boss's niece."

Jane chuckled and stepped forward to introduce herself. "I'm Jane," she said, offering her hand. "Nice to meet you."

The girls, Laramie and Mia, seemed to warm up quickly, especially when Jane accepted a beer from Laramie with a grateful smile. She stood by Ryan and Colby, feeling more at ease in the group than she had earlier.

"Gotta get back into rodeoing," Colby muttered to himself as he cracked open his beer, loud enough for Jane and Ryan to hear.

Ryan burst out laughing, his deep voice filling the room. "Rodeoing, huh?"

Teeter, never one to miss an opportunity to make things weird, jumped in. "Fuck it. It's Friday night somewhere," she drawled, grabbing a beer from the fridge before launching into one of her offbeat, cringe-worthy dance routines. Her movements were wild, limbs flailing in all directions, but she didn't care. She was in her element.

Colby rolled his eyes, laughing despite himself. "It is Friday, Teeter."

Teeter paused mid-dance, a goofy grin on her face. "Well, then it's your fuckin' day!" she hollered before resuming her dance, much to everyone's amusement.

Jane looked over at Ryan, her eyes twinkling with laughter. "She's growing on you," he said quietly, nudging his best friend with his shoulder as they watched Teeter.