Project Director Zane Caldwell has a major problem -- a charming, go-getter hotshot from Chicago named Ford Trionni, recently hired at Widdley Finch Inc., a Connecticut-based marketing research company. The man, whom the secretarial pool nicknamed "The Italian Stallion" based on his stunning good looks and sexual aura, has also gained the reputation of a superstar in the industry due to his innovative analytical techniques. The trouble is, the man wears his accolades like a badge on his lapel, strutting around the office like a peacock.<br><br>Ford's self-centered, lofty attitude drives Zane to utter distraction. Even worse, the man seems to know it, intentionally using his sizzling sex appeal to tie Zane's patience and libido into knots while giving off mixed messages of mutual attraction. But from what Zane can tell, Ford's already involved in an intense relationship with someone else, and the last thing Zane wants is to fall for a guy who not only treats him like a peon instead of an equal, but intends to make him a side dish to his current love affair.<br><br>Yet as he works with Ford on an important account, Zane begins to realize there's more to Ford than the man lets on, and all may not be what it seems. As the heat between them builds into an inferno despite their contrary work relationship, Zane vows to get to the bottom of Ford's confusing behavior once and for all. Is the man playing games with Zane's job and his heart, or is there a chance they might actually discover they're the perfect partners?

And the Survey Says

Fuck! I pulled yet another drag off my cigarette, while my stomach knotted and my head pounded. Just when I thought I’d gotten my life together, could clearly see the path my future would take, this man came from out of nowhere and turned my world topsy-turvy, unnerving me yet thrilling me in a weird concoction I couldn’t quite figure out.


And to make matters worse, I spotted him now, with Walter. In the parking lot, the men climbed out of Walter’s spiffy Infiniti and started for the building. Knowing our VP typically took all of his employees out to lunch their first week on the job didn’t halt the sudden wave of jealousy that washed over me. But I had to ask myself, was I envious because Ford had spent time in Walter’s company, or because he had not spent time in mine?


Chapter 8