She hands Kate the reins when she dismounts, thanks her for letting her ride, and leaves without another word. I smirk a little to myself when I spot Val in the doorway of the barn, staring resentfully at Riley’s car as she drives off.
“Jealous?” I ask her. Not a good idea, but I can’t help it. I’m getting a lot bolder about pissing Val off.
Val glares at me. “What’s there to be jealous of? She clearly isn’t a good rider. She has terrible hands. No contact, and he wasn’t bending. She didn’t even release over the jump.”
“She didn’t need to,” I say in annoyance. “Her reins were already loose. Releasing isn’t just to look pretty, Val. It’s so that you don’t pull on their mouths.” I can’t help but notice that Oliver looks pretty surprised by my hostility.
“I know that,” Val snaps, “but sh
