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hunches have been dead-on up to this point, so work up a training schedule with Abe and Larry and run it past me. I think you could be onto something.”
    “Are you kidding me?”
    I flipped around to see Rawson standing in the doorway looking like an angry bull in a rodeo chute.
    “A high school girl who loves horses has a hunch and you fall all over yourself to let her run with it, yet you won’t even read over my plans I spent months researching?”
    “Why are you eavesdropping on a private conversation?” Mr. Law growled.
    “Trying to keep one step ahead of you so you don’t run this ranch into the ground before I have a chance to manage it. I can’t believe you’re listening to this girl.”
    My jaw dropped. Girl had never sounded so derogatory.
    “Get out!” Mr. Law roared as he stood and pointed to the door.
    I wished to disappear and not be an eyewitness to this ugly father-son confrontation. Rawson glared at me before storming out. As I heard his heavy footsteps on the wooden stairs, I released a shaky breath.
    Mr. Law’s fists relaxed. “Sorry you had to witness that. My son can be a royal jackass.”
    I winced.
    His eyes crinkled. “Forgive me, but it’s the kindest word I can think of for him.”
    I forced a smile. “We all can be donkeys at times.”
    “Some more than others.”
    “I’ll get that schedule to you by Friday.” I started out the door, only to pause when he called after me. “Yes?” I looked back at my boss.
    “Don’t let what my son said get to you. In my opinion, hunches backed by hard work are worth more than educated research backed by arrogance.”
    “Thanks, sir.”
    “Call me Bart. You’ve earned the right.”
    I beamed. “Thank you, Bart.”
    As I made my way downstairs, I couldn’t help but grin. I loved my job and didn’t want to leave, and after that uncomfortable scene, I felt more confident in my position. I might not have much formal training, but I knew horses better than the freckles on my nose. And my boss had just admitted that he valued my contributions, even if his jerky son didn’t.
    I could live with that.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 14
    Bentley
    Mud kept its form as I pulled the miniature loaf pan away. Wiping my hands against dusty jeans, I studied my new bricks laying out on the blue tarp.
    “Are you going to build a high-rise with those?”
    I jumped and turned to see Liz approaching, leading Han and Kisser behind her. When I kept staring, she spoke again.
    “I’ve never seen your magical kingdom.” Her gaze traveled across the four buildings taking shape at the back of the grove. “You have quite the setup.”
    My cheeks burned as I rubbed the toe of my boot into mud. The last thing I wanted her to see was me playing in the dirt. “Uh, it’s for Addie. She likes to play out here, but can’t make anything other than messes.”
    Liz tethered the horses. “I’m tempted to join her. This looks fun. If you dug a trench down the middle, you could fill it with water from the hose and have a river through town.”
    I chewed my lip, not wanting to appear eager about her suggestion.
    “How much taller are you going to make your building?”
    “Addie’s building,” I clarified. “Maybe another foot.”
    “Can I help?”
    I scrunched my nose. “I’m sure you have better things to do.”
    “Looks like they need to dry. Let’s take a ride. I already saddled Han for you.”
    I wanted nothing more than to go riding, but the thought of being her project kept me from accepting. “You go ahead. I have things to finish here.”
    Her lips pursed. “We could just do a short ride.”
    “Rawson can take me.”
    “Benny, have I done something to upset you?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Then why have you avoided me all week?”
    I ducked my head. “I’m not a little kid like Addie.”
    Her brows drew together. “What?”
    I kicked a clod of mud. “I’m grown up and can take care of myself.” Tears formed against my will. I