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

What the fuck was going on? Was Walt actually aware of Ford’s boyfriend woes? And if so, why would he tolerate the situation, not to mention ask me to overlook it?


For what felt like ages, I stood in perplexed silence, the scent of coffee drifting into my nostrils along with the faint, buttery scent of microwave popcorn that seemed to forever linger in the room. Unfortunately, neither aromas provided answers to my questions or stemmed my rising anger. 8


When I returned to my office with coffee warming my stomach and half a mug of the rich-brown liquid still in my hand, I discovered that Mallory had left her workstation. Thank God, I thought, since I didn’t want to go another round with her regarding my attraction to Ford. I took a moment and stared at my closed door, then knocked before poking my head inside the office. To my relief, Ford had ended the phone call and was now sitting at the corner table, his head lowered in deep thought.


Chapter 19