Read Online Running Away With You (Running #3) by Suzanne Sweeney - Free Book Online Page A

(baboons), and more elephants.  Seeing these animals through the eyes of a child is an experience like no other.  No wonder my mother was willing to come here so often.
    This scene is recreated over and over as we make our way through the Halls of Asian Mammals, North American Mammals, Primates and Small Mammals.  Aside from the occasional flash of a camera, Evan and I aren’t interrupted during our tour.  When we arrive at my favorite display, the Hall of Ocean Life, Regan is beginning to show signs of exhaustion.  She is expressionless as we sit on one of the many benches, gazing up at the giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling, her eyes looking suspiciously heavy. 
    I pull out a juice pouch for her, along with her favorite snack of carrot sticks.  We take a break and sit for as long as it takes Regan to finish her afternoon snack. 
    The short break is exactly what Regan needed.  She catches her second wind and heads straight toward the walrus display.  Evan follows quickly, never allowing her to be more than a few feet away from him at any time.
    Hugh is babbling on about the coral reef display, but I don’t hear a word he says.  My mind is completely occupied watching Evan dote on his niece.  He is sweet and patient with her; he adores her.  It’s clear the feeling is more than mutual. 
    As the room begins to get more crowded, I notice three young women, not much older than me, walking purposefully toward Evan.  They are chatting excitedly, and I know what’s about to happen.  Evan is so focused on his niece, he doesn’t even notice until it’s too late.  I scan the room, but there are no security guards near us at the moment.
    I reach Evan’s side just as the small brood approaches, giggling.  “Excuse me, but are you Evan McGuire?” one of the girls asks as she beams up at him, all starry-eyed and flirty.
    Evan does his best to keep the situation under control.  Regan has found a hiding spot behind his legs, shielded from the prying eyes of these strangers.  “I’ll tell you, but you have to promise to keep it a secret,” he whispers, flashing his killer smile and perfectly white teeth.  I know what he’s trying to do, and it usually works.  He can get them to go away by sweet-talking his way out of it.  I do my best to stay out of the way and let him work his magic.
    “I told you!” She turns to her friends, obviously feeling smug about her accomplishment.  Her friends start chattering, and I swear they’re giving me dirty looks. Starry-Eyed Girl hands me her camera phone and asks, “Do you mind?  Just one quick picture?”  With Hugh standing beside me, I must look like a museum docent.  She quickly places herself snugly at Evan’s side.
    Hoping to appease them and end this situation quickly and painlessly, I begin to raise the camera and point it at them.  When she slips an arm around his waist, he’s pushed to his limit.  He gently but forcefully removes her arm from his waist, takes the camera phone from my hand, and gives it back to her.  “This is my fiancée, and she will not be taking our picture.  Please find someone else to take it so we can finish our tour.”  Regan is now holding on to my leg for dear life.
    Flirty Girl hands the phone to one of her friends, who snaps a picture, and off they go.  Evan picks up Regan and carries her as we walk to our next exhibit.  “I’m sorry about that, Princess.  Sometimes people like to say hi to me.  You did a great job staying away from strangers.  Auntie Jette and I will always keep you safe.”
    “Mommy says you’re a stud muffin and I should stay by Auntie Jette when ladies come to say hi.  She says ladies like stud muffins.  Are you a stud muffin, Uncle Evan?”  Hugh and I have to chuckle at that little exchange.
    “Well, missy, your mommy is usually right about most things.  I don’t know.  Maybe I am,” Evan teases as he puts her back on the ground. 
    Now Regan is bouncing up and down