There was a note of command in Renata’s voice. She turned her pony in a circle and faced the jump again. Her mouth hardened into a flat line. “I said put it higher, Connor!” Taking a deep breath, Connor ignored the imperious tone in the little girl’s voice. “Two feet is high enough, Renata. You’re still standing on your toes. When you get your seat down properly, we’ll put the jump up.” “If Danny can jump two-six, so can I.” There was mutiny in Renata’s face. “Look, I don’t know what bee got in your bonnet this morning, but I’ve had almost enough of you.” Connor could feel her temper, slow to ignite but potentially dangerous, begin to flare. “Either get a new attitude, or get off that pony. I’m not your servant, and I won’t have you speak to me that way.” “My father will never love you!” Renata hurled the words at her. For a split second Connor felt as if she’d been kicked in the gut. She and Clay had been so careful, so very careful not to let Renata or Danny—or even Willene—know about the new level of their relationship.
