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

“Anything wrong?” asked Mallory when I stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind me. She smirked. “Trouble in ‘Zord-land’ already?”


“Ford is dealing with a nightmare of some kind, and until he reins in his boyfriend and ends the call, I’m getting myself caffeine. Gallons of it, if possible.”


“You mean that’s his boyfriend on the phone? Wait, are you sure?”


“He didn’t sound…well…normal, I guess is the right word.”


“That’s because he’s having a hissy fit over something. Probably because Ford’s not at his beck and call twenty-four/seven. That’s the same guy who called Ford last Friday, and the same guy whose name Golden Boy mentioned on another personal call just before I shut down the last meeting. And now he’s being badgered and berated by this Mitch dude with no end in sight.”


Chapter 18