How is the relationship between Damon and Meredith in the books?

Well first of Damon is scared of her lol. But yeah I think he considers her his friend. Not a good friend, but a friend nonetheless :)

Damon and Meredith are frends and in the book Meredith is going out with Alaric and Damon is Dateless like always

Well,first,he didn't really like her..but with the time,it got better,he also saved her several times,and you could consider both as friends.However,they're really not best friends,lol ;D 'Cuz of the reason which was already mentioned:He's a bit scared of her :D
However,I never really had the impression that he actually intents to have a good relation to her..but,let's say,he doesn't hate her ;) She's one of Elena's best friends,so somehow he HAS to cope with her ;D