E. Montes - Perfectly Damaged

“I know.” I break out into tears. Then laugh. “I’m sorry. God, I didn’t want to cry.” I wipe my eyes.

Logan closes the three steps between us, and before I know it, his hands are on my face, wiping my tears away. “So, what’s new with you?” he asks, his eyes tracing my features.

“I’m painting again,” I admit, blinking away my tears so I can see him.

A smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “I’m glad to hear that.”

I nod. “And I applied to school. I’ll be starting in the fall, and over the summer I’ll be teaching art at a day camp.”

His face shows so much pride. “That’s good. Real good.”

I moisten my lips. “You? What have you been up to?” I manage to ask.

“You know.” He shrugs. “A little of this, a little of that. And missing you.” His smile fades. “I’ve missed you, Jersey Girl.”

“I missed you too,” I choke out. “So, so much.”

He shuts his eyes.

“Logan?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you,” I say.

“For what?”

“For believing in me. For loving me. For looking past the ugly and finding the beauty hidden beneath. You know, I’m learning a lot, and there are times when it’s hard to love myself, but every time I think of you, I always think, if someone else can dig deep and fall in love with even my damaged side, then there is hope for me after all.”

His fingers graze my face. “I didn’t have to dig deep to love you, Jersey Girl. Digging takes work. Falling in love with you was the simplest thing I’ve ever done.”

I look up at him; his eyes are filled with sincerity and love. I reach out and frame his face with my hands. I miss this—the way he feels, the way I feel around him. I just miss him. Logan loves me…for who I am. He’s never looked at me any different, he’s never judged me, and never ran away when I was at my worst; he’s always been here, even when I tried to push him away.

I stand on my tiptoes and touch my lips to his. For the first time, I don’t allow the voices or fear of loving someone to take over. I allow my heart to.

He pulls away, his forehead resting on mine. “Where do we go from here?” he asks.

“Let’s just take it one day at a time.”

He smiles. “I like that.”

I smile too. My gaze looks past him and I take in the scenery.

Have you ever stepped outside and looked around, and even though it’s very familiar territory—you’ve seen it a dozen times before—it instantly looks different? The trees are more vibrant, the view is clearer, the sky is bluer, and everything is just brighter. That’s what I feel right now. It’s soothing and breathless and beautiful.

I want to keep it like this forever.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

I smile up at him. “Yes, it’s just…” I sigh. “Look around you.” I breathe out in awe. Logan lifts his head, his eyes scanning the view that surrounds us. His wrinkled brow relaxes, as if he knows my thoughts exactly, and he pulls me into him. I nestle my head into the side of his chest and loop my arms around his waist while he snakes his arm over my shoulder. We just stand there, holding one another, and admiring the view.

I know it won’t stay this way. I know there will be days when this view is covered with grey and gloomy clouds. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But for right now, I enjoy this moment. I breathe, I feel free, and I’m thankful that for today…

I am living.

Thank you so much for reading Perfectly Damaged. I only ask if you enjoyed reading Jenna and Logan’s story that you take five minutes out of your time to help others enjoy it as well. You can share it with a friend by using the lending feature. You can also write a small (non-spoiler please) review from the site you purchased the book from. Word of mouth is key, and the more you spread to family and friends the more others will have the chance to experience Perfectly Damaged.

Also, after you write a review and you would like to discuss the story with me, please email me at auth.el.montes@gmail.com. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you again!

Xo,

E.L. Montes

Alex, not enough words could ever express how appreciative I am of you, and all that you do for me. I know it can be stressful at times: dealing with my emotional breakdowns when I’m going out of mind. But thank you for sticking by me and supporting my dream. It means the world to me. I love you, baby. Always and forever.

Mom, although you live thousands of miles away, our phone calls allows me to feel like you are right by my side holding my hand the entire step of the way. Thank you for always pushing me and believing in me. I said it before and I will always say it: you’re the reason I’m living my dream. I love you!

To my family, friends and M7: Wow. Your continued support and encouraging words truly gets me through my toughest days. Thank you so much. I love you all with all of my heart.

Jessica, my sister, you said that you’re proud of me. Just know that I am and will always be proud of you and woman you’ve grown to be. I love you.

Beta readers: Missy Swain and Dana Caponi. You ladies have no idea how grateful I am for your hard work and feedback on Perfectly Damaged. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Emmy’s Entourage Group: Thank you all for always pimping me out and supporting me. I’m forever grateful.

A HUGE shout out to: Richelle Robinson, Jennifer Wolfel, Holly Malgieri, Jennifer Diaz, Missy Swain, Sandy Borrero and Tasha Burkowski. I love all so HARD. Even on days where I feel down I know I can open my laptop and see something from one of you that brightens my day. Whether it’s a private message with an encouraging word, or a tag/notification for being pimped, or just simply being there for me. Thank you for it all. I love you, girls!

Megan Ward, thank you for your outstanding work on editing Perfectly Damaged. Our long talks about the characters and storyline kept me sane. I loved that you were invested with the story and characters as much as I was. I appreciate all of your hard work. SIGH. I <3 you big time!

Alison Duncan, thank you for going over the second round of edits. Your final touches truly completed the story. I appreciate the hard work and THANK YOU for going over it a second time when I screwed up and sent you the wrong Manuscript. *face palm* In my defense I had a lot going on that week. LOL. You’re the best!

Regina Wamba, I absolutely love the cover for Perfectly Damaged and I love your face! You are extremely talented. Thank you for being patient with me. In the end it all worked out. The final cover is beautiful.

Becca Manuel, you’ve done it again! The book trailer on YouTube for Perfectly Damaged is perfect. Seriously, you managed to take my story and transformed it visually. You talented, woman, you. ;) ;)

To all Book Bloggers: Thank you so much for everything. You take time out of your life, work, and family to support and spread the word of your favorite authors. I’m in awe of you, for just being so committed and loving a story that has touched you. In turn all you want to do is simply share your passion about the story with others. Thank you for that! If not for you, many readers would lose out on the opportunity in finding a story that they might fall in love with as well. Thank you!

Last but certainly not least my, Author Groups, you girls keep me sane. Seriously, you girls made me laugh when I wanted to cry, allowed me to feel pride when I was discouraged, and allowed me to believe in myself when I had doubt. A special thank you to Melissa, Syreeta, Gail, Madeline, Karina, Cindy, Amy, Gretchen, Rebecca, Renee, Hadley, Julie, Toni, Nikki, Jessica and Jennifer L. You girls rock! Thank you for listening to my everyday rants. <3