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

For the next half-hour or so, to my pleasant surprise, things went as I had hoped. And smoother than I’d ever expected. To his credit, Ford appeared to catch on fast to the tracking data methods at WFI. His questions proved thoughtful, insightful, and bore not a hint of anything other than business. He also offered up a few solid improvements, mostly regarding wording revisions we might apply to several questions on the forthcoming study, even ways to filter some data for a more detailed analysis in key sections, and we made extensive notes for the client. I actually started to believe we might be able to work together for however long it would take to pass the account fully into his hands. At the rate we were going, I optimistically deduced I might be able to get him out of my hair for good after only another week or two.


Chapter 17