While Danni and Blake danced to the fast-paced club music, Emily made her way over to the Cornelia Marie's table. She sat down another full pitcher of beer and glanced over at Josh. He smiled at her and winked. Jake smirked and tried to keep from laughing as he watched the scene from the dance floor. He and his girlfriend were moving perfectly to the beat, but Jake kept glancing over her shoulder to watch his older brother try to pick up the Elbow Room waitress.

"If you're not to busy," said Josh with an almost dangerous twinkle in his eye, "We could join them on the dance floor."

Emily's face brightened instantly at the offer. She nodded enthusiastically and Josh broke out into a rather handsome grin. He stood, held out his hand, and led Emily out to the dance floor.

Danni gave her friend a quick thumbs-up as they began to dance next to her and Blake.

Josh shot Blake a look of disdain. Suddenly, Danni remembered the fight that had happened between the two men. She was struck by the irony of the situation. She and her best friend liked two guys who absolutely hated each other. For a brief second, Danni wondered why, but her thoughts were interrupted when she saw the furious glint in Blake's eye. He glared back at Josh and sneered in contempt.

"Blake," hissed Danni, giving him a warning look.

Blake turned his gaze to Danni and she saw his eyes begin to soften. He smiled slightly in embarrassment.

"Sorry," he whispered as they continued to dance.

Josh smiled, as if in victory, and turned back to Emily. Her eyes were full of concern as she looked up at him. His harsh glare quickly changed into a more kind, and loving look.

"Don't worry," he murmured, "As long as he stays away from me, there won't be any problems."

Emily smiled slightly, but deep down she was worried about the situation. If things worked out, how could she and her friend date these guys if whenever they were together they tried to fight? She forced the thoughts out of her mind for the time being. Tonight was about having fun, not fighting or worrying about fighting.

Edgar led his wife out onto the dance floor. Sig and the other Northwestern guys followed their lead and soon the entire dance floor was covered with dancing couples.

"You wanna get outta here?" asked Blake over the music.

Danni glanced around the crowded room. Technically she should stay here and make sure that nothing got out of hand, but then again she wanted to leave too. It really was starting to get crowded and warm in the small bar. Finally, after a moment's hesitation, she nodded.

Blake smiled and led her through the throng of people. As they walked toward the front door, they suddenly found themselves face to face with Josh and Emily. The two girls' eyes widened in panic as the guys glared at each other. Danni squeezed Blake's hand.

Blake gritted his teeth and walked around the couple quickly. He did not want to start another fight with the hot-headed greenhorn in front of Danni.

Josh snickered as the two walked past them. He shook his head as he turned back to Emily.

Once they were outside, Danni and Blake made their way to the bench that sat near the docks. Danni had bought the bench when she first purchased the Elbow Room. It overlooked Dutch Harbor and had the best view of the Alaskan sunset. She often came out here when she needed time to be alone and to think. After 

Alex left her, she came out here nearly every time she had a break. It made her feel calm and it cleared her mind.

They settled down on the bench just as a cold gust of night air rushed past them. Danni shivered and Blake immediately took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. She smiled gratefully as they gazed out at Dutch Harbor.

"Now this is much better," said Blake with a sigh.

"Yeah I was afraid if we stayed in there much longer you and Josh would try to kill each other again," said Danni as she rolled her eyes in exasperation, "Why do you two hate each other so much, by the way?"

Blake smiled and laughed slightly.

"Well, I guess we both have similar personalities," he began as he put his arm around Danni's shoulders, "We both have tempers and we're about the same age. I don't know…we just don't get along. We used to tolerate each other when we were in the same room, but then we got into a disagreement and now we can't stand each other."

"So now you always try to one-up each other?" asked Danni with a smirk, "Men…you guys are too competitive."

Blake smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Yeah pretty much. Okay, now you have to explain something to me," he said as he leaned closer to her, "Why is it that you claim to be so hard to get?"

Danni felt her breath catch in her throat. This was the one topic she desperately tried to avoid at all costs. Talking about what had happened between her and Alex was not the most enjoyable conversation.

Blake saw the look on her face and instantly grew concerned.

"Someone hurt you?" he asked, anger flashing in his eyes, "Someone I know? Cause if it is…"

Danni laughed and shook her head.

"No, no but thanks," she said as her smile turned into a slight frown, "No, I was with a guy that left me for another girl."

Blake sighed and nodded. He played with the hair that lay on her shoulder while she talked.

"His name was Alex…and we were engaged at one point. I found out later that he had another girl on the side. So, naturally, I left him. I found out from one of my friends a few weeks later that he had asked that same girl to marry him."

Blake sneered in disgust and anger. He shook his head and curled up his lip.

"I swear, Danni if he was here right now, I'd take care of him for you…I'd make him sorry."

Danni smirked at the anger that sparkled in Blake's eyes. "He sure is a wild one," she thought to herself.

After a few moments, Blake turned to look at Danni. He had a serious and sincere look in his eyes as he gazed intently at her.

"You know…if you ever wanted to give me a shot, I swear that I'd never do that to you. I would never hurt you like that. I promise."

Danni gazed into his eyes and realized that he was telling the truth. There was no mistaking the seriousness in his eyes and in his voice. She suddenly felt a warmth spread through her that she had not felt in a very long time. She took a deep breath and nodded.

"I believe you," she murmured quietly, "And…I'd like to give you a shot."

Blake's eyes widened in surprise. He gave her a crooked smile and Danni laughed.

Suddenly, he leaned over and ran a hand through her hair. He gazed deeply into her eyes for a brief moment.

Then, he kissed her…

PLEASE REVIEW!!

Just a reminder to you guys: I will not have internet access from June 21-29. I will try to write some stuff during that time in my notebook and then type it up when I get the internet back. Thanks for reading and reviewing!!