**How about some fiction?** 

I’m jumping in on the [5 minute freewrite](https://steemit.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/day-151-5-minute-freewrite-monday-prompt-medium) again, hosted by @mariannewest, and today’s prompt is “medium.”

*Sets timer.*

Here goes.

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![blind date](https://s26.postimg.org/41255e7cp/datenight-flowers-clem-onojeghuo.jpg)
[photo: Clem Onojeghuo](https://unsplash.com/photos/K11CdC7LoaU)

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## Dinner Date

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“How would you like it done?”

I barely hear the server. Answer out of habit. “Medium-rare.”

Will I even be able to eat? My mouth waters, but my heart beats far too fast. I’m ready to get up and walk out—maybe keep walking till I reach the sea.

The man across from me orders his steak rare. His eyes do not waiver from mine but for a quick glance at the server. The light of the candle flickers in dark eyes.

*Inhale 1-2-3-4-5-6-7. Exhale 1-2-3-4-5-6-7.* 

(Ignore that timer. It means nothing.)

I will not hold my breath. I will breathe, sit still, and maintain eye contact. I will!

Nope. Can’t do it. I look away, foot tapping on the side of my chair. 

But his voice—that rich, easy drawl with a hint of amusement—teases my eyes back to him. “You gonna run?” He calls my bluff. 

My mouth is open for half-a-breath before I’m able to speak. “I was thinking it's a nice night for a walk.”

A tease of a grin. “You like to move, don’t you?”

“Yes.” My answer is more whisper than voice. *Need* to move, more like.

He slides his chair next to mine, places a heavy hand high on my thigh, and pushes down. Rooting me to my seat.

“Relax,” he whispers, close enough that his breath warms my neck. He strokes my upper arm with the back of his hand, then leans away.

I’m holding my breath. Again, dammit. I push it out through my nose, summon a shy smile and force myself to meet his eyes.

*Inhale 1-2-3-4-5-6-7. Exhale 1-2-3-4-5-6-7.*

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<center>END FREEWRITE</center>

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Hmmm… I wonder what’s happening with those two. So many possible backstories to choose from…

This was fun. Thanks for reading!

Peace. @katrina-ariel

![Katrina Ariel](https://s26.postimg.org/q1a4gaq3t/purple-hat-_Katrina_Ariel.jpg)

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**Author bio:** Katrina Ariel is an old-soul rebel, musician, tree-hugging yogini, and mama bear to twins. Author of Yoga for Dragon Riders (non-fiction) and Wild Horse Heart (romance), she's another free-spirit swimming in the ocean of Steemit.

![dragon](https://s26.postimg.org/ep24c5rc9/dragon-banner-katrinaariel.jpg)
*dragon art: Liiga Smilshkalne*

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<center>[![IOW COLOR LOGO.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYc3Ncto2Q52AeT5TKxTuyoCNtYnY5Ytze7hEU8hiNonj/IOW%20COLOR%20LOGO.png)](https://discord.gg/TPh9dHM)
*Banner courtesy of @PegasusPhysics*</center>

<center>![the alliance](https://s26.postimg.org/5me8mw4sp/thealliance-rainbow-orcas.png)

<center>[![Steemsugars](https://s26.postimg.org/as7w0dftl/banner_steemsugars.jpg)](https://discord.gg/D2V8nq9)</center>