“Thanks, Cassie. That was just what I needed,” Kinsey said with a sigh of pleasure as the sweet chocolate melted on her tongue. She picked up the coffee and took a sip to wash it down.
“Yeah, yeah, now speak,” Cassie said as she took her own piece of candy and sat back, making herself comfortable.
Kinsey smiled at her, knowing Cassie had made a stand. It wasn’t worth it to hold out on her. She’d just drag out the information she wanted, anyway, so Kinsey may as well get it over with.
“I hope you have the rest of the day,” Kinsey joked, though she wasn’t far off.
“We have a full bag of chocolate, hot coffee, and a comfortable seat. I’m in no hurry.”
Girding up her courage, Kinsey grabbed a few more pieces of candy before she got comfortable. This was going to take a while. With a blush on her cheeks, she began. This time she didn’t hold anything back, telling Cassie about the wedding night, the hospital, the lack of birth control. She told her all of it.
An hour passed and she slumped back in her seat, completely drained. She actually felt relief at getting it all out. Now, she could find out if she was as screwed as she thought she was.
“Give it to me, Cass. Tell me how much I’ve messed up,” Kinsey said as she looked at the stunned expression on Cassie’s face.
“Dang, Kinsey. You’ve been holding out on me. First of all, I should scold you for not talking to me sooner. Secondly, I think my temperature rose a few degrees, there. Mmm, I may have to go admit Max into a hospital so I can replay that sex scene. Holy Mackerel, Kinsey, that sounds so hot,” Cassie said while dramatically fanning her face.
“Of course, you’d focus on that,” Kinsey said with a hint of pink in her cheeks. She had to admit to herself, though, that it had been pretty spectacular.
“What red-blooded woman wouldn’t? Okay, back to the present. Do you know what you’re going to do, yet? Have you thought much about it? A baby, Kinsey. You could be carrying a child right at this very moment,” Cassie said in a somewhat dazed tone.
“I don’t know. I’ve been pushing it from my head. It’s so overwhelming, I don’t know what to think,” Kinsey admitted.
“Well, there’s no use stressing over it when you don’t know anything yet. Chances are, you aren’t pregnant. It does happen, but you’re probably worried over nothing. More importantly, though, we need to talk about Austin. Dang, girl, there’s enough steam between the two of you to heat this freaking house.”
“No. It was just a fling. We didn’t even go on any dates. It’s just that, well, he’s about as viral a man as it gets. Whenever I’m around him, my panties practically burst into flames. You can’t build a relationship on that, though. You know that, Cass. You have a perfect husband.”
“Uh, don’t you remember how it was between Max and I in the beginning. I had to blackmail him for an interview, and then we got snowed in at a remote cabin in Alaska and literally ripped each other’s clothes off. Talk about steam. I’d never in my life desired someone like I did him. I still get all tingly even talking about it. If you weren’t my best friend, I’d be running out of this room right now and dragging him into the nearest closet. That’s definitely on my ‘to do list’ now, thanks to you.”
Kinsey smiled, loving how open Cassie was. Max adored her, and brought so much to her life.
“Sorry. I got off track. My point is that desire is good. It’s healthy. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to tear his clothes off, or him wanting you so bad, he’s in a constant state of arousal. That should stroke your ego. There are a lot of relationships built on far less than that. If you can’t stand to be with him once the lights come back on, then you have a problem, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with you. At least that’s not what I’m hearing. Don’t run away because you’re scared. He’s not evil, Kinsey, I promise. That’s my two-cents. Of course, I’m one-hundred-percent on your side, and if you want to castrate him, I’ll help you tie him down.”
Kinsey laughed. It felt good to let her delight spill from her. There really was nothing like a best friend willing to torture men for you. She didn’t know what she’d do without her.
“I guess I have a lot to think about, but for now, I’m happier to put it on the back burner and take a few more days to breathe. I’m terrified to take that test, Cass,” Kinsey admitted.
“I’ll be here for you every step of the way. I’ll even pick it up for you,” Cassie offered.
“I’ll let you know. I’m not ready to take it yet.”
“It’s too soon. I know they have those early detection pregnancy tests now, but I think you’re better off to wait, get a level head, and then do it. That will give you time to think about what your next step will be. You know, Kinsey, you can always move in with us. I know I’ve offered before and you’ve refused, saying I need my newlywed space and all, but I don’t want you going through this alone. Just think, our kids can grow up together,” Cassie said.
She’d offered many times for Kinsey to come live with her. It had been great when it was just the two of them rooming in college, but they were adults now, and Cassie was married. Kinsey just couldn’t do it.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Now, get out of here so I can shower and go check on my patient.”
“Okay, I get it. You’re done talking for now. I’ll see you at dinner.”
Kinsey’s stomach knotted again as she shut the door behind her friend. She’d forgotten about their big dinner that night. They were celebrating Joseph returning home, even though he was still in a coma. Katherine felt him coming home was the first true step of his recovery. This was the dinner Austin had demanded she come to with him. She guessed he’d gotten his way.