Period 9 days late & negative home pregnancy test today. no penetration just fingering with precum, could i be pregnant? what else can it be?

Yes: I am not sure what you describing in terms of "fingering with precum". If the penile fluid that is secreted before ejaculation is in contact with your vagina, you are at risk for pregnancy. This pre-ejaculatory fluid contains some sperm in it. Thus, I would recommend you repeat the test. The best way to test if you are pregnant is by having a serum HCG level done.