Cowboy Redemption (Down Under Cowboy Book 6) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Usually the act would be considered purely gratuitous and friendly, but something I’m feeling deep down and underlying has me doubting myself.
    He’s just a friend.
    But is he?  What if I want him as more than a friend?
    No.
    I’m concentrating on my new life, bettering myself, making me a good person.  I don’t need a man to mess things up for me.
    Friends.  Just friends.
    I stop and take a deep, refreshing breath, solidifying the conclusion I’ve just come to in my mind.
    “Thanks for the company, Kye.  I’ll see you around,” I say chirpily.
    “Good to see you, Kennedy.”
    He treks off and I start toward my hut.
    “Kennedy!  Kennedy!”  I turn at the sound of my name being shouted in the distance.
    “Hey, Glory,” I say, smiling as the teenager runs toward me.
    She’s panting when she comes to a stop in front of me.  “Hey, Kennedy.”  She stops to rest her hands on her knees as she hunches over to catch her breath.  “Sorry.”
    “That’s okay.  What’s up?”
    “I was wondering if you could teach us how to cook one day?”
    “As part of the program?”
    “Yeah.  I’ve been watching the kitchen staff cook and they say we’re not allowed in there because of the regulations or something, but they said you might be interested in helping us learn some basic skills,” she rushes out without taking a breath.
    “Okay.  That sounds like a great idea.  Let me think it over and organize some finer details.  We’ll go from there.”
    “Thank you.”  The smile that lights her face is addictive. 
    “You’re welcome.”
    I continue back to my hut, all thoughts of Kye pushed aside as I conjure up ideas to help these kids learn kitchen basics.
    And swimming skills.
    And just like that, my thoughts of Kye spin to the forefront of my mind.  The naughty side of my brain imagines him bare-chested and wet, in a pair of swim shorts, his muscular body glistening from the water.  Water sex with Kye … My stomach clenches.
    “Kitchen skills!” I snap to myself, thankful no one is around to hear my nonsense.
     

CHAPTER THREE
     
    After spending all night brainstorming ideas for new, interesting, engaging topics for the residents to participate in, I wake early, shower, dress and gather my paperwork.
    “Knock, knock,” I say, tapping on Maria’s door.
    “Come in,” she calls.  I pull open the door and walk through.  “Morning, Kennedy.”
    “Morning,” I chirp.
    Maria is the Life Coach here at the retreat and oversees and coordinates all the programs we put in place.  She doesn’t often do field work, unless necessary instead she spends her time indoors managing the paperwork side.
    “How are you?” she asks.
    “Good thanks,” I say, noticing she must have just stepped out of the shower.  She’s dressed, but her short brown hair is damp and hasn’t been styled for the day.  She’s also sans makeup, which is almost unheard of for Maria.
    “I don’t want to interrupt you for long, but I was hoping you had time for a quick chat?”
    “Absolutely,” she says, gesturing for me to take a seat at her two-seat dining table.  “Excuse the paperwork.”  She moves it off to the side with a chuckle.
    “After a couple of suggestions from residents, I got thinking last night and I’ve put together some ideas that I wanted your approval on.”
    “Sounds interesting.  What are you thinking?”
    “Well, one of the teen residents suggested basic cooking skill classes.  I thought it would be a good idea to teach them how to make a few meals with meat and vegetables.  Then, maybe we could offer a class for those interested in learning to bake.”
    She stays silent, thinking, until she brings her eyes to me.  “I like it.  Learning to cook is a necessity and a life skill worth having.  Basic meals such as meat and vegetables, damper even, is absolutely worth having.”
    “Fantastic,” I say with a smile, bolstered at her enthusiasm.  “The other thing is swimming