“I’m glad she was there for you,” Holly said, resting her head against his chest.
“Me, too.” He nodded. “I nearly went off the deep end a few times. She found a way to pull me back.”
Holly let the silence settle between them. She wasn’t sure how to feel. Was it possible to feel every emotion in the spectrum at once?
“Hey.” Johnny gave her a little squeeze. “Want to see something cool?”
CHAPTER 23 - Johnny
Johnny led Holly into the basement. He’d never brought anyone down there before. Keller and Garret wandered in occasionally, especially when Johnny had been down there for more than a day or two. But that wasn’t the same. No one was allowed in the basement. It was his workspace, his sanctuary.
Holly clutched his hand as they made their way down the old wooden staircase. The boards popped and creaked under their weight, but it was nothing to worry about. He’d replace them eventually. He also needed to replace the bulb for the light over the stairs. He didn’t think it was urgent. He could find his way up and down blindfolded and backward.
The light that illuminated the main workspace worked just fine, though. Johnny never let that one go out.
“Ready?” he asked, grinning in the dark.
“This better not be some kind of sick torture chamber.” Holly laughed.
“In a way, it is.” He flipped on the light, and Holly blinked against the sudden brightness, then her mouth fell open in surprise.
The farthest corner of the basement was set up to be a woodcarving station. His current project—a six-foot-tall column depicting creatures from Greek mythology—stood proud. It wasn’t even half done yet, but he was pleased with the progress. He’d finished one of the satyrs last night. Tonight, he was going to work on the forest nymphs. Holly inspired him.
Beside the wood station was another station. This one was set up for painting. There was a paint-splattered easel awaiting a canvas. He didn’t have the burning sensation to paint at the moment, nor did he have any commissions in that medium. One would come through soon enough, though. He wasn’t worried. He never went too long between projects. More often than not, he had to turn clients away because he was overbooked. He wouldn’t be able to accept another wood carving project for at least another month.
Another corner contained half a dozen guitars of various makes, models, and ages. He collected them for fun, though he never played in public.
There was also an unmade queen bed against the farthest wall and a small dresser. It was a chaotic space, but it was all his.
“Wow.” Holly sighed. “This is incredible. You’re insanely talented!”
“If you ever want a carving or painting, I’ll cut you a sweet deal.” Johnny winked.
“Who do you sell to?” she asked. “Does everyone in Silver Spruce have something of yours?”
“I make small things for people in town for fun,” he replied. “That column over there is getting shipped to New York once it’s done. A dozen galleries or so like to buy my pieces.”
“You’re kidding!” She gasped. “And what about the paintings.”
“They do well in Canada and Scotland,” Johnny said, thoroughly enjoying the pure shock on Holly’s face. “Are you really that surprised?”
“The chair you carved for Pearl is amazing. I knew you were talented, but I had no idea you were so...” She struggled to find the right word.
“Successful?” Johnny supplemented.
“Yes, I guess.” She laughed awkwardly. “How much does a column like that sell for, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I’ll get ten grand for it, probably.” Johnny shrugged.
Holly’s eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her head. “Then why…” She trailed off again.
“Why do I live in your grandmother’s basement?” He chuckled. “Because I like it here. Once I got some traction, I was able to help pay for the upkeep of this place. The property taxes are particularly insane.”
“And the old truck?”
“I like old trucks,” he replied. “And I like road trips. I’m not one for flying first class. I could take myself to get where I need to go, and that’s the way I like it.”
“Admirable.” She nodded. “I just can’t believe all of this. I mean, it’s incredible!”
“I’ve never brought anyone down here before,” he admitted. “I’m relieved you like it.”
“It’s incredible,” she repeated, grabbing his hand. “Thank you for showing me.”
Johnny caught the scent of both Keller and Garret. They’d returned from their excursion into the woods.
“Our partners in crime are back,” he announced, sad to have to bring Holly out of the basement so soon. There was so much more he wanted to show her. It was all right. They had time. Whatever Keller and Garret had to report was more important.
“They’ve been gone a while,” Holly said.
“We agreed to take turns scouting the forest for any signs of shady activity.”
Holly looked pale.
Johnny reached out to her, pulling her close. “You don’t have anything to worry about. We’ve got it covered.”
CHAPTER 24 - Holly
Holly tried not to look nervous as Johnny led her back upstairs. Of course, she was nervous about them snooping around the forest! What if they had found Loch? What if they found whoever Loch was in trouble with? Already, it was getting to be too difficult to keep last night’s meeting from the guys. She sincerely hoped Loch wasn’t just fucking with her head. If he was, this was an excellent way to do it.
Oh, God. What if she had made a terrible mistake in trusting him? What if he ran right back to whoever he was working for and told them she was putty in his hands? Literally. He tucked her in, for
