The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 304

The heater was working just fine, but some sneaky chill in the air made Petty hold her warm drink tighter between her hands.

“Let’s drop the subject,” she said, turning to Malcom—his hands steady on the wheel, eyes down like he was lost somewhere far away. Petty let out a small, awkward laugh. “I’m probably boring you, huh.”

But honestly, only Malcom made her want to say this stuff aloud.

He seemed to come back to himself, glancing over at her. Something flickered through his deep brown eyes, but it was gone before she could catch it.

His look, sharp and intense, made Petty’s heart skip for a second.

Then Malcom looked back at his phone, fingers almost cold as he typed a reply. [I trust your judgment.] [A lifetime is a long time…]

He didn’t get to finish his message. Petty suddenly pressed down on his gloved hand, staring at his masked face, the brim of his cap almost hiding him. “Hey, about that birthmark on your eyelid…”

Malcom’s hand paused with the phone. Just for a split second.

He lowered his cap even more with his other hand.

She leaned in, about to get a better look, but he quickly deleted his half-finished line and typed something new. [Had it since I was born.]

Watching him practically glue himself to the car door, Petty realized she was being a little too nosy.

She thought she’d noticed his birthmark was missing—a quick glance, probably just the weird car lighting. No way Malcom was the type to have it removed for looks.

She let it go. “Sorry, Malcom. My curiosity gets the best of me, I know.”

Out of nowhere, Malcom reached toward her.

For a second, Petty blinked, not sure what he wanted. Was he asking for a hug? Or something else?

Before she could figure it out, Malcom seemed to think better of it and quickly pulled his hands back.

Petty just chuckled and went for it, wrapping her arms around Malcom’s strong body. “If you want a hug, just say so. I’ve already hugged a bunch of people today. Jared, Tim…”

She started to pull away, but suddenly Malcom’s arms locked around her, solid and safe, and he leaned in as well. Petty found herself drawn close to his chest.

Against him, all she could hear was the slow, steady beat of his heart.