Her hand strayed to her stomach as wonder and fear spread through her, adding to her confusion. She didn't know anything yet, but she was late. She was just too scared to take the test. If she was pregnant, she had zero answers on what she was going to do next. It was all so overwhelming. She knew it wasn't healthy to pretend it was a non-matter, but she didn't care. It helped ease her mind.
Kinsey stepped outside into the cool evening air. It had rained all day, leaving the grounds smelling fresh, washing away any scent of the city drifting over. She loved Joseph's home. She found it fascinating that he'd managed to create such a serene setting in one of the most bustling cities in the United States.
She walked down the path leading to the semi-private beach. She spent most of her off time there. Something about the waves crashing on the shore soothed her.
She found one of the chairs Joseph had set up, then closed her eyes and let the gentle breeze and soothing sounds hypnotize her into a sense of peace.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a small boat on the water, slowly moving along the calm surface. She decided she needed to try that sometime. If sitting on the shore was soothing, drifting on the water had to be even better, the motion lulling any and all worries away.
Soon, her thoughts drifted back to Austin. She wondered where he'd been. Did he already have someone new he was pursuing? One of the reasons she hadn't wanted to date him, was for the fact that it was common knowledge he never had trouble finding a new woman for his arm. He was rarely spotted with the same date two weekends in a row.
She couldn't stand the thought of being another scratch in his little black book. She shook her head, refusing to let her thoughts stray. She couldn't do that, not if she wanted to maintain her sanity.
"Do you know the Andersons?"
Kinsey sat straight up as a deep voice rumbled at her. She turned to see a large man staggering down the beach toward her. He was huge, hadn't shaved in at least a week, and from the smells drifting in her direction, he'd obviously been drinking.
He was less than twenty feet from her when she realized her danger. She didn't know this man, but he obviously knew the Anderson family, and from his tone, he wasn't a fan. His eyes were locked in on her as she slowly got to her feet.
She felt a shudder of fear drift down her spine. She was probably being ridiculous, but she thought her safest bet was to get away as fast as possible. If he was harmless, no harm done, but if he was out to hurt someone, she didn't want to be in his path.
"Hey! I asked if you know the Anderson's, the rich snobs," he shouted as he took a menacing step closer.
Okay, her instincts had been right. He wasn't there to sell Girl Scout cookies – that was for sure.
She didn't know what the right answer would be. She didn't want to tell him, that yes she knew them, was staying in their house, in fact, but she didn't have a good lie to explain why she was on their property.
"I, um … yes, I know who they are," she finally stuttered, her teeth chattering from both fear and the cold.
She'd only wanted a private moment, like she'd had many times over the last couple weeks. She hadn't even bothered bringing her phone. She'd gotten too comfortable on the little slice of paradise. Living in the city, she normally wasn't so stupid as to leave herself so vulnerable.
He took another step toward her as his gaze shot up the hill to where the top of the mansion clearly showed. She knew that people from the top floor could look down on the beach, but there was no reason anyone would be doing so right now. All they'd see, anyway, was two small figures. The light was fading from the sky and soon they'd only be able to see shadows. If the drunken man grabbed her, and someone did happen to look out the window, they would just assume it was two lovers.
She'd seen a few since her arrival. Young men often liked to impress their dates with a beautiful sunset, followed by some steamy make-out time.
Kinsey took a couple steps around the chair, trying to place distance between her and the crazy man. His eyes were surprisingly alert for as drunk as he obviously was. They darted after her, watching her every movement.
She looked up the hill in anticipation of bolting to the top. Hopefully, in his condition, he wouldn't be able to catch her. She hadn't exercised nearly as much as she should lately, but she was in pretty good shape.
"I'm running late. It was good talking to you, but I have to go … "
She turned toward the house and took a few steps, when her arm was gripped so tight she was sure it would bruise, and her body whipped around to face him. He was inches from her as he glared in her face, his breath was making her stomach roll, causing her to fight the urge to throw up. She didn't know what he'd do if she puked down the front of his shirt.