Christmas Eva Read Online Free PDF Page B

production.
    “How long have you been doing makeup?” he asked her.
    “All my life,” she said. “Started with dolls and went from there. Went to college, did hair and beauty, but preferred this to cutting hair.” She paused, still unable to believe that she was sat here, Matthew Lyell’s head in her lap, whilst she was touching his face.
    Oh, grow up, Evie.
    “So whose makeup have you done?”
    Eva detailed the A-list actors she’d worked on. “Most of them were pretty nice, but a couple…” She looked down at him. “But of course, what is said between makeup artist and actor is pretty sacrosanct.”
    He grinned. “Of course. And I make it a rule never to be rude to them. Just in case they take their revenge and send me out looking stupid—with clashing eye shadow and orange lipstick or something.”
    She chuckled. “It’s tempting at times; believe you me, Mr. Lyell.”
    His eyes twinkled and his lips kept the smile that was purely for her. “Please, call me Matthew.”
    She held his gaze, her heart pounding so loud she was sure he’d be able to hear it. “OK, Matthew.”
    His smile echoed in his eyes.
    Eva turned back to her work. Dismay cluttered her thoughts as she finally removed the last of the makeup. His skin was red and blotchy, his right eye slightly puffy, and a rash had started to form across his chin and forehead. “You can’t use this makeup again. Have a look.”
    He sat upright and glanced in the mirror. His face fell as he ran his fingertips over his face. “What…” Matthew’s voice tailed off in dismay and shock.
    “Have you ever reacted like this before?”
    “Once, years ago, but never this bad.”
    Eva looked at Felicity as she cleaned her hands on the baby wipes. “You’ll need to replace all his makeup with hypoallergenic stuff as soon as you can; if possible before the next performance. I can give you the brand and so on.”
    “Thanks, Evie. I’ll make sure we have it for tomorrow’s performances. But what do we do for tonight? Everywhere will be closed by now.”
    “Umm…” Eva thought quickly, looking over the bottles and jars. She picked one up. “Use this as a base and tell your makeup girls to go easy on the layers. It was way too thick, never mind anything else. Less is more.” She assessed Matthew. “And you’ll need to take it off as soon as you come off stage, before you change out of your costume.”
    He nodded. “Will do.” He rubbed his face. “It itches.”
    “It will. Calamine lotion or E45 should help with that. Don’t use aloe vera because it’ll make it worse. You also need to avoid scented soaps until it clears up.”
    “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.” She picked up her program from the side. She wasn’t going to admit how good it had been to get out or even to get her hands dirty again and do some work.
    For a few minutes, she’d forgotten the chair and the fact she couldn’t walk. It had just been her and him and the job she loved doing. She wondered if quitting had been the right decision for an instant. Then, she shook her head. Of course it was. She couldn’t keep going outside. Something might happen.
    Matthew caught her hand. “Eva, would it be possible for me to have your address?”
    She bit her lip, biting back the gasp, as warmth shot down the entire length of her hand, then looked at him. “What for?”
    “Because I’d like to see you again. Take you out for coffee. Just to say thank you.”
    “There’s no need…” Are you mad? Her inner voice all but screamed at her. He’s asking you out here and you’re saying no?
    “There’s every need.” He hunkered down in front of the chair.
    Was that a deliberate move to stop her leaving? Or was it simply so he was at her height? Either way, it had the same effect. Her heart melted into a pool of wax, and she was helpless in his gaze and the river of fire flooding from his hand, down her arm and straight to her core.
    He smiled at her, fingers gently stroking