Read Online Christmas Eva by Clare Revell - Free Book Online Page A

have to quit at this rate. Or wear a mask and shades or something.” He looked at Felicity. “Sorry. I know I shouldn’t complain, but something needs to be done. I can’t go on like this much longer.”
    “April has the whole situation in hand,” Felicity told him. “It will be sorted by this afternoon, I promise.”
    “Good.”
    Her parents joined them at the table, and Dad said grace.
    Harry smiled as he picked up his coffee. “This looks wonderful, thank you.” He glanced at Eva. “So what would you like to do this morning?”
    Before she could answer, Felicity winked at her. “Actually, we’re going shopping for Eva’s new makeup kit. You’re welcome to come and push her around if you want.”
    Harry choked on his coffee. “Push her around?”
    Felicity laughed. “Yeah, if you want. And tell her where to go. You started something yesterday when you took her out. There’s going to be no stopping our Eva now.”
    “I am here,” Eva said, shaking her head. “And I know where I need to go, thank you.”
    He looked at Eva and smiled. “I’d like that. I need to do some shopping as well.”
    “Then it’s settled,” Felicity said. “We can all go to town together.”
     
    ~*~
     
    Despite the fear that occasionally ran through her like a river of ice, Eva had to admit she enjoyed the couple of hours they spent in town. She balanced the basket on her lap while she chose makeup brushes, removal pads and mirrors. Had Harry guessed where she’d be working or was he in a world of his own? He did seem a little distracted.
    Eva picked out a case to keep all her things in and then looked at her sister. “OK, Fi, I’m done.”
    “OK, shall we go and pay?”
    “Not yet.” Harry spoke up from his position behind the chair. “I need to get something for my parents.”
    “For Christmas?”
    “Yeah.” He tightened the scarf around his neck. “I normally give them vouchers, but as I won’t see them this year, I want it to be something slightly more personal.”
    “Why won’t you see them?”
    “I’m working. I only get Christmas Day off and as they live in Scotland, it’s too far to travel in a day.”
    “Why can’t they come to you instead?”
    “I’m living in a hotel,” he said, rolling his eyes, in that cute way that made her shiver. “That’s not very practical or family oriented. Christmas to me is church first thing, Mum roasting the turkey and all the trimmings, opening presents around the tree, watching Queen’s speech…” He broke off, hiding the look of sadness in his eyes. “Not dinner in a packed restaurant and everyone sitting on the floor in a small hotel room.”
    “Fair enough. Going back to the shopping issue, what sort of thing is your mum in to? Books, puzzles, knitting…”
    “She likes reading, perfume, jewelry. Umm…”
    Eva grinned. “We should introduce you to Tels. She’s an author from church, and she might even do you an autographed copy of her latest book. Or you could get your mum a bottle of her favorite scent and a necklace. That’s what I was thinking of getting mine.”
    Harry smiled. “And Dad?”
    “I never know what to buy my dad, never mind anyone else’s.” She paused. “But I was thinking I might buy him aftershave, along with cufflinks or a watch this year. Just stick with the cologne and bling theme.”
    Harry laughed. “Sounds good to me. Hey, we could get matching parental presents.”
    Eva shook her head. “Cheating more like. Steals my lines, steals my ideas.”
    Harry leaned over the wheelchair. “Steals your kisses too,” he whispered, quickly and lightly kissing her on the mouth.
    Eva sat stunned as Harry straightened, her lips tingling with his touch. Had he really just kissed her? Had Fi noticed? Had anyone else in the store noticed?
    “Perfume and aftershave is this way,” Felicity said, glancing back at them. “And jewelry is on the second floor.”
    Eva nodded, blushing as Harry winked at her.
    “Did I miss