The Pretend Boyfriend novel Chapter 105

Brian and Caleb are hugging each other and talking quietly in a corner. Brian looks amazing. It's as if years have been lifted off his face, and he looks well-slept and serene. He has cut his hair in a different and more attractive style, and worn a white T-shirt which shows off his biceps nicely.

Cassie comes up with a plate laden with macarons. "Great spread you have here for Brian's celebration party. Delilah still pressing charges against you?"

"Yes." There's no way Sam can get out of the breaking and entering charge, but Karen is confident the judge will be lenient.

"We'll try to get you off on community service," Karen said. "Under the extenuating circumstances, there's no way anyone can prosecute you beyond that. A sentence of community service will be a legal way of letting everyone know that they can't get away with vigilante investigation or justice."

"I know," Sam replied ruefully.

But still, that's the best she can hope for.

The tinkling of a fork on a glass arrests their attention. Brian is in front of the reception desk. He beams. Sam thinks he has never looked so gorgeous.

He announces, "I want to make a speech, and I promise you it will be as short as the hem of Lydia's skirt."

He makes a mock grab for Lydia's ass.

Lydia gives a yowl as she covers her ass. Everyone laughs. The trainer's skirt she is wearing today is so short as to practically give everyone an eyeful of her lacy white panties.

Brian looks directly at Sam and holds out his hand. It's a look filled with so much love and resolution that Sam's heart expands to soar beyond the confines of the gym. She steps up beside him.

He doesn't let go of her hand as he turns back to the crowd.

"This is not an Oscar acceptance speech, but there are some people I have to thank. My attorney, Karen Sandler, for sticking with me even though I'm the greatest screw-up there is."

Karen raises a champagne glass toast to him. A curl of a smile graces her lips. Sam knows that Karen has been intimate with Brian, but then who hasn't? That was the past. This is the present, and Brian is a different man - a different soul with the hardship of bitter experiences behind him. He would do anything for her, Sam knows.

Just as she would do anything for him.

They both know that now about each other. They may do stupid things. Things that don't totally make sense to anyone else, including the law. But their intentions and hearts are in the right place.

With each other's.

Brian continues, holding on tightly to her, "I want to thank my best friend, Caleb, who bailed me out of jail. It wasn't the first time he had to do this, and I assure you it won't be the last."

Laughter again.

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