The Pretend Boyfriend novel Chapter 104

By this time tomorrow, I may be serving a prison sentence.

"Relax," Karen says, putting a hand on his shoulder.

Sam takes hold of his hands. "Brian, sit down. I'll get a cup of coffee."

"No thanks. I can't relax."

Angelique gazes out of the window into the gardens below. She doesn't say anything.

Brian says anxiously, "It still doesn't rule out that I didn't do it. She never admitted out loud that I didn't rape her. Not on the recording, at least. I don't remember her ever admitting it once."

"Brian." Sam seizes his arms and tries to make him sit down. "You did everything you could. We did everything we could. That she had a motive to set you up is not in doubt."

"But no one really knows what happened that night except her. I certainly don't." Brian runs a hand over his chestnut hair. "I-I still could have done it, you know. Maybe we should have called Dr. Robertson in as a witness to testify that I'm basically harmless. Maybe we should - "

"Brian, it's OK," Karen says in a soothing voice.

Someone taps their door. "Jury's in."

"Oh shit." Brian feels like bolting. His palms are sweaty and his skin feels as if it has been dunked in ice.

Sam grips his arm fiercely. "I'm here with you, all the way, OK?" She turns him to face her. Her wide eyes contain such a kaleidoscope of emotions that his chest suddenly feels weightless.

"I love you, OK?" she whispers. "I love you, Brian. I've loved you for a long, long time."

The floor opens at his feet and it's as though he is losing his balance.

"I-I love you too," he whispers back. Just in case he doesn't get to say it again. "I've loved you since ... I don't know when. Somewhere along the line, when we ... oh shit. I just love you, OK?"

"Let's go, Brian," Karen says firmly.

They troop back into the courtroom and take their seats. The jury files in. Their faces are solemn. Mostly blank. Some of the women openly eye Brian with interest. He tries to gauge their expressions, but they are not giving anything away.

Behind him, he can sense Sam's warm, comforting presence. Her love. Even if everything doesn't turn out the way he wants it to, at least he has that.

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