Hockey Tales: Enforcer

Chapter 6

Finally got it done. Yay!!! Let me know what you think.

Chapter 6

Looking around, I couldn't believe how she could pull it off. There had to be more then three hundred celebrities alone here. Plus several high ranking members of the United States Congress and some foreign representatives with children in schools around the country. From the rumors floating around, the President and First Lady were supposed to join as well but had a family issue. The time to plan this function alone had to take months.

The dining area was classically done in silver and black. The tables were adorned with low center pieces of calla lilies, which Ayla had informed me meant beauty. A place at a table for dinner was $1500 a place. But the people who came to the event could well afford it.

The silent auction came next. There were several works of art that had been donated to the cause. There were also several vacation options and event tickets. If the people were as open donating money with these items as they were for dinner, Ayla would make a fortune for her cause.

With the auction over, the band had started up. The ballroom was a large open room with four chandeliers. The guests were either milling around the edge chatting or on the floor dancing. I had been introduced to many people through out the whole night. Ayla had been very good at making me feel like part of the group. Keeping me in the conversations.

Reece and I were currently at the bar watching Ayla and Teagan talk to some celebrity they went to school with. I couldn't place the girl but I knew I recognized her from somewhere.

“They are beautiful, aren't they?” Reece said nudging me to get my attention. I glanced his way not sure who he was talking about. His eyes soft and smile tilting his lips. I glanced back just in time to catch the trio laughing. The act changed Ayla's features into pure beauty. I could hear Reece chuckle and glanced back at him “You love her, don't you?”

I just nodded looking back at Ayla, “I have since I met her, Reece.” I sighed, “I know excuses are just that. And I know she would probably understand if I told her what happened..”

“You mean tell her you freaked out” he said

“Yeah whatever, I freaked. Make fun of me. But I figured it out really quick.” I said looking back at him, “You know I haven't even been with anyone else in a year and a half?”

“What about Natalie. You guys weren't...”

I waved my hand dismissively. “No, we were pretending so her ex would leave her alone. If you think back, you'll notice that all you ever saw us doing was holding hands or a kiss on the cheek. I can't even think of Nat that way.” I shrugged. “No one could ever live up to what I feel for Ayla. She's my one, Reece.”

He glanced at me then back at the girls. Slapping my back he grinned, “Then go get her. And treat her good, Ryan. Because lord knows Teagan will throw a fit until I beat the crap out of you if you don't.”

I smiled and followed him out to where the girls were. Reece wrapped his arms around Teag's waist and kissed her neck, “Wanna dance, Teag?” She nodded and the stepped toward the dance floor.

Looking at Ayla, I smiled. She looked uncomfortable now that Teagan was gone. “How about it?” I asked gesturing to the dance floor. “We haven't danced in awhile.”

She nodded and said her farewells to her old classmate. The way the woman eyed me when Ayla turned away made me wary. She was obviously not good friends with her. Then Reece's words about her school came back to me. I wrapped my arm around Ayla's waist and lead her to the dance floor. I wanted to make sure this woman got the message. Ayla was mine and I was hers. If someone wanted to mess with her, they would mess with me.