Austin walked silently through the living room toward Kitt’s bedroom. Just the television and night stand lamp were on. Austin toed off his shoes, and then carefully and quietly tiptoed his way to the bed, shedding his clothing as he went. As he passed the television, he turned it off and watched Kitt who never stirred. Odd for the usually light sleeper. Austin decided to leave the lamp on.
Kitt stayed sleeping with small soft snores coming from him every minute or two. Those were the times Austin moved. He kept his eyes trained on the handsome, beautiful man lying on top of the covers, sleeping in his tighty whities. A depth of emotion Austin had never experienced before hit him hard. It caused him to stop in his tracks as he started to slide onto the bed. His heart hammered, and he stared hard at Kitt. The emotion welling inside him was real and complete. Austin knew immediately what was going on, but he also knew Kitt would want no part of it. Which didn’t seem to change anything inside his heart.
Kitt finally stirred as Austin lay on the bed, coming fully awake with a startled jerk when he realized he wasn’t alone. “What the—”
“I tried not to wake you.” Austin paused as he lowered, but kept going, wanting to hold and be held by Kitt.
“You scared the crap out of me,” Kitt said, lying back on his pillow. He absently ran a hand over his heart. Austin scooted over, not quite touching Kitt, but close enough to lean in and give him a slow chaste kiss.
“I missed you and I’m exhausted. It took forever to get home. I wanted to sleep in your arms for a few hours, and then maybe make love to you before you made me go face the entire day without you.” Austin kept his tone light, hiding his feelings while giving his most sorrowful expression. Kitt narrowed his eyes.
“I saw that exact same look in your last movie when your pup died…it was so sad.” Kitt rolled his eyes before he scooted over, kicking at the covers with his feet as he held his arms open to Austin.
Austin reached down to bring the bedspread up, covering them as he went to lie on Kitt’s chest. He angled himself where he laid with his head in the crook of Kitt’s neck. “You snore,” Austin whispered simply.
The comfort of being in Kitt’s arms erased every bit of anxiety, leaving just the exhaustion behind. It occurred to Austin, this was another new thing for them. They never lay in bed unless they were fucking. Before tonight, it hadn’t been allowed.
“I’ve heard that before,” Kitt said dryly, running his fingertips up and down Austin’s back. Their legs tangled together. Austin could feel Kitt was half aroused, but the need to hold the other seemed viably more important.
“Did Fisker complain about it?” Austin let his obvious jealousy out in the words and Kitt chuckled.
“No, Mr. Looking for Pool Boys to Fuck. My sisters tell me. It’s one of the reasons I’m down here. I can get loud during sinus season apparently,” Kitt said and kissed the top of Austin’s head. He wrapped Austin tighter in his arms, turning partly to face Austin. They shared a pillow and he yawned.
“You’ll enjoy that immensely, I’m sure.” Kitt reached over and pushed the button on the lamp to turn the light off.
“Mmm…is this the first fault I’ve found in Kitt Kelly?” Austin moved with Kitt’s body as the light turned off.
“I don’t think it’s the first,” Kitt said quietly into the dark.
“I do.” Austin lifted his head. He rose fully to place a light kiss on Kitt’s lips. “You need to sleep.”
“I think it’s you that needs to sleep. I can’t see where you’ve had much in the last few days. You messaged me like every two hours.”
“How can I sleep when your lips are so close?” Again, Austin leaned in and kissed Kitt softly, this time adding a small amount of tongue. The kiss lingered until he rested his head on Kitt’s shoulder and sleep took them both.
~~~~~~
It took a second for Kitt to realize the vibration that woke him came from his phone lying under his pillow. He automatically turned to check the time on his alarm clock. Four minutes before the alarm was scheduled to go off.
Austin slept with his head on Kitt’s chest, and his breath warmed his skin with every exhale. Kitt dug underneath the pillow until he found the phone as it vibrated again sending another message. He’d missed four incoming calls. His phone must have silenced at some point during the night, but the vibration worked. It took time for his eyes to adjust to the bright light of the lit screen as he read the message. He reached over with the other arm to turn the alarm off so it didn’t wake Austin.
Jose thought Lady was showing signs of birthing. Well, of course she was! Today was one of the busiest days of Kitt’s year. They’d start cutting hay, and it required every one of his hands to help in the fields. Of course, she would pick today. Kitt carefully pulled out from underneath Austin who only stirred awake long enough to hear Kitt say he was going to the restroom. Kitt stuffed a pillow back in his place watching as Austin took the bait and pulled the pillow against his chest, instantly falling back asleep. Kitt grabbed his clothes and boots and left the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. He dressed quickly, not bothering to brush his hair or teeth. He penned a quick note to Austin and grabbed a ball cap.
The ride to the barn was a quick one and several of his regular ranch hands were already there. He pulled to the front, barely getting the truck in park before jumping out. Kitt all but jogged inside the barn doing the math again in his mind on her delivery date. She was too early. Even with the signs of her tightening and her udder dropping, Kitt still thought they had a week, and even that would have been a couple of weeks early.