‘Because I’m—’ She choked over the next word, unable to say it even after all these years.
‘You’re what?’ Nat prodded.
Prita’s mouth worked. God, why couldn’t she say it?
‘Is this about Carter? About you wanting to keep things stable for him?’
‘Yes.’ The word was spat out, such a relief to say it instead of the real reason.
‘But there’s something else?’
Could she say it? Could she tell this woman who was her friend? Perhaps the best friend she had now, who promised to be even more than she thought she would ever have again after Chandra?
‘Prita, you’re worrying me now. Are you running from someone?’
Prita laughed a little, the sound slightly hysterical. ‘Not really. Maybe. Kind of.’
Nat blinked rapidly, obviously confused. ‘You’re maybe, kind of not really running from someone?’
‘Yes?’
‘Who?’
‘My husband.’
Chapter 12
There was a large, horrible silence. Nat stared at her as if she’d grown two heads with another popping out of her ear for good measure.
‘Your husband?’ she finally choked out. ‘You’re married?’
‘You’re married?’
She froze. Ice running down her spine as Flynn’s voice rang through the room.
Slowly, so slowly, she turned to see him staring at her, his gaze so intense, so full of heat, anger, shock, it almost hit her like a blow. Oh god. What had she been thinking? To blurt that out here, where anyone could walk in when it was the thing she’d thought never to share with anyone. And she was going to have words with Barb and Nat about not checking when little ears were around? What about big ears?
You see. This is what happened when you made rash decisions and ended up with friends who you wanted to share your secrets with.
Nothing but trouble.
When would she learn she was better off keeping things to herself?
She forced a patient expression past the self-doubt and worry and met his gaze. It was too late now. She had to explain something. Not everything. But a little. ‘We’re separated.’
‘Are you getting a divorce?’
She stiffened. ‘For reasons that are none of yours or anyone else’s business, no. We’re not.’
‘Then why the hell did you kiss me?’
She hadn’t thought her back could get any stiffer, but it did, her shoulders squaring off as she lifted her chin and forced herself not to tremble. ‘I remember you kissing me.’
‘I’d call that mutual kissage.’
‘Stay out of this, Nat.’
‘Stay out of what?’ Reid and Barb walked into the room.
‘These two kissed. That’s why they’ve been so tense around each other.’
‘I knew it,’ Barb said.
‘Who’s taking care of the barbie?’ Flynn asked, his face stiff and pale.
‘The meat’s resting,’ Reid said.
‘Don’t change the subject,’ Barb said at the same time. ‘Spill.’
‘It’s none of your business, Mum.’
‘It is if it’s going to affect everyone around you because you’ve been such a prickly pear and Prita obviously doesn’t feel comfortable around you anymore. What did you do?’
‘I didn’t do anything. And even if I did, she’s married, apparently, and shouldn’t have been kissing anyone.’
‘You’re married?’
All eyes were turned on her.
Their voices had barely made a dent in the ice-cold wall that had risen around her the moment he’d said what he’d said in that accusing voice. Vibrating with fury, her gaze zeroed in on Flynn to the exclusion of all else. ‘My being married has nothing to do with this, so don’t make out like it does and this is all my fault. You were part of that kiss too.’
‘And I shouldn’t have been. It was a mistake. A bigger one than I realised. I would never have kissed you if I’d known you were married.’
‘I thought you said you never should have kissed me because you still love your wife and you didn’t want to lead me on.’
‘Little reason for me to worry about that, wasn’t there? I never would have pegged you as a cheater.’
‘Flynn!’
Barb’s remonstrance rung in the air at the same time as the sound of the slap. Prita’s hand stung. She looked down and then up. There was a red mark on the side of Flynn’s face. She’d slapped him? Oh god. Oh god. She couldn’t stay here. ‘I’m leaving.’
‘Prita, wait. You can’t leave like this. It’s your birthday.’
She stared at Nat as if she were insane.
‘Don’t let Flynn being a jealous arse ruin the night.’
Prita clenched her hand. She’d slapped him. She’d never done anything like that before. She glanced at him, surprised to see he wasn’t furious with her. But even so, she couldn’t stay. ‘I don’t think my staying is going to be pleasant for anyone tonight.’ Why on earth she agreed to having a birthday celebration at all was beyond her. She should have known it would end in disaster and unhappiness. They always did.
‘But what about Carter? He was so looking forward to the party and spending time with Aaron and Tilly,’ Flynn said.
Damn it. Trust him to say the one thing likely to make her change her mind. She didn’t want to disappoint her little boy, but she really couldn’t stay any longer. Her mind raced while she struggled to hold back the tears that were more than threatening to come now. She turned her back on Flynn to face Nat. ‘Can you tell him I got called out to see a patient?’
‘I—’
‘He’s got PJs and a fresh t-shirt and undies in his backpack—so he can stay the night if that’s okay.’
‘Of course.’
‘Perhaps you shouldn’t drive upset, Prita love,’ Barb said.
‘Don’t go. I’ll go.’
‘Flynn!’ Three voices raised in protest over his offer.
Her gaze flicked to him, surprised and a little horrified by his offer. ‘This is your home. You can’t leave.’
‘It’s Reid’s and Nat’s home, actually, so I can.’
He was so stubborn and intractable. She stared him down despite the tears burning the backs of her eyes. ‘I slapped you. It’s inexcusable. I have to go.’
‘I deserved to be slapped.’
‘I … just …’ She shook her head grasping at a reason, any reason, to stick to her guns and go. ‘I have
