The Taste of Seduction

"Reservation for Falcone?" She asked the waiter who was standing in front of the pedestal at the entry of the restaurant.

"Falcone for two?" Meredith nodded. Mr. Falcone had sent her the location and reservation she had made for her and his grandson. Meredith was a little nervous since this was her second time on a blind date.

"Right this way Ma\'am." The waiter lead Meredith towards the back of the restaurant which was more quitter.

There was a soft chatter lingering around as family and friends dined together. The atmosphere was laid back, the high beam ceilings and the eclectic dcor worked wonders for the ambience.

"Hy." It didn\'t take longed before Meredith was pulled from behind her book and to the view in front of her. A guy stood before her wearing a white shirt and dark blue pants.

Meredith\'s breath hitched when she saw his face. He was well, beautiful. Yeah, it was weird to describe a guy as beautiful but he had that feminine beauty that made him stand out in the crowd.

His golden-brown eyes were as deep and expressive, where you could get lost if you stare too hard. But the best part was the smile on his face which showed off his dimples.

After coming out of her short daze, she stood up.

"Hey. Mr. Falcone?" She asked

The man chuckled and nodded, "Yeah but call me Alex. Sorry I\'m late I had to do an emergency surgery." He said and stretched his hands which Meredith gladly took it.

"Meredith and don\'t worry. As you can see, I had my book to accompany me."

Meredith gave him a small smile.

His gaze travelled to the book on the table and raised his brows. The cover was wellinteresting.

"Hmmm I can see." Alex said, presenting her with a smile.

Meredith blushed and picked the book, hiding it behind her back. It was the book Atlas had given to her.

"Please sit down and don\'t worry. I\'m not judging your taste in books." Alex said with sincerity in his voice.

Meredith\'s blush deepened as she sat down.

Just as they sat down, a waiter appeared before them.

"Shall I get you started with some drinks?"

"I will have water please."

"You sure?" Alex asked.

"Yeah." Meredith replied with a smile.

"Lemon juice please." Alex said.

The waiter nodded and left, leaving Meredith and Alex alone.

Meredith knotted her fingers under the table. She had no idea what to say.

"So what type of food do you like?" Alex asked breaking the silence.

What a way to start a conversation. Meredith thought.

Her lips curled up as she replied.

"Hmm, I like everything especially junk foods." Meredith told him and he laughed.

"Junk food? I thought girls hated junk food and love their greens." He teased her.

"I have no idea but then they\'re missing a lot in life. Junk foods are delicious."

They both laughed, "Well as a doctor, I would advice you not to eat too much junk foods. They\'re unhealthy."

Meredith pouted, "Alright doc."

"I guess that means I have heard you but I\'m not taking your advice."

Meredith blushed and laughed, "YeahI guess."

The corners of Alex\'s mouth quirked into a light smile.

"Hmm. Do you have any food in particular you want to order?"

Meredith shook her head and took the menu. She browsed through; all the food looks appetizing. She was in a dilemma about what to choose.

"Thatcan you help me order?"

Alex looked up from his menu. A smile spread across his face at her request.

"Sure."

******

Alex ordered a variety of different Italian cuisine for Meredith to try. The food was delivered in a short amount of time so they dug in.

"So tell me about yourself, apart from liking junk food." Alex said once they were done eating.

"What do you want to know?" Meredith fidgeted.

"Anything you wish for your new friend to know." Alex said winking at her.

Meredith let out a chuckle. She liked Alex. He was fun, a gentleman and respectful too.

"There isn\'t much to know honestly. I work as a secretary for Mr. Martini. Read erotic books during my spare time and I love junk foods. I don\'t really go out and my life is just...hmmm...boring?" Meredith said.

"Okay what about this." Alex said rubbing his hands together.

"Tell me about your dream job. I know being secretary was definitely not on top of your list."

Meredith paused to think about his question. She had a lot of dream jobs when she was in college but nowshe wasn\'t even sure. She loved working for Atlas.

"An erotica author?" Meredith said with a deep blush on her face.

"Oh?" Alex let out; he wasn\'t really expecting that answer.

Seeing the shock on his face, Meredith threw her head back and laughed.

"Yes. I love reading and one day I hope I can create my own world where I can escape to anytime, I\'m feeling down. I know it\'s silly."

"NO. It\'s not. I know the CEO of BB publishing house; I can introduce you to him when you\'re ready."

"What? You would do that for me?" Meredith asked surprised, they just met. BB publishing house was one of the famous publishing houses in the country.

"Yeah, it\'s not a big deal." He said scratching the bridge of his nose.

"Wow thank you. Really but I haven\'t even started writing it. My confidence level is really low. What if others don\'t like it?"

"Don\'t waste time worrying about not being able to write. Just start from somewhere and believe in yourself. Like you said you want to create your own world. So, it\'s for you. Create your own magical world where you\'re comfortable in. Screw what other\'s think.

They should be grateful you want to share your world with them. And if people criticize you, you learn from it. Without writing first to get criticism you can never develop into the top author you want to be.

Hate, insults, doubts, praise, pain and struggles helps shape us in life. If you fear people\'s opinion you would never achieve your dream."

"Wow, I have never thought about it like that!" Meredith let out, amazed by his words.

"Sorry, I didn\'t mean to go all lecture on you." He said nervously laughing.

"No that...I needed to hear that. Thank you, Alex." Meredith said, staring at him.

"What about you? Or you have always wanted to be a doctor?"

Alex smiled and nodded, "Yeah. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of being a doctor."

"Well, your younger self must be proud of you." Meredith said, giving him a soft smile.

"Yeah. Speaking of workI have another surgery in an hour. I better get going."

Meredith nodded, "Alright."

"ThatI have a little confession."

Alex rubbed the back of his neck, "I know my grandfather set this up because he hopes we would go out but I already like someone."