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

Finally, he shook his head. “I suppose it’s not my business at all.”


“Simply put, we’ll need to spend a great deal of hours together on this project, and the last thing we need is you feeling torn between a wife or a partner and this job.”


“Torn between…? As if I can’t shift my priorities where needed?”


“Some people have trouble doing that.”


“I’ve got to tell you, Ford, you have some nerve.”


“You don’t know me from Adam, yet you assume I’m someone who isn’t as career-focused as you are. Talk about a healthy ego.”


“This has nothing to do with my ego. And I meant no disrespect.”


“Seriously. I just wanted to confirm that everything Walter said about you over lunch was true. That you’re a hard worker, dedicated to your clients, a top-notch analyst, and that I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher to bring me up to speed on how things work around here.”


Chapter 10