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

“Okay, I’m game,” I finally said. “You’ve got a date.”


“Oh, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”


His smile widened, and I saw something in his eyes that echoed how he’d looked at me the previous Monday morning in the restroom. Inside my briefs, my cock instantly stirred.


“No worries,” he said. “I understood what you meant. I was only teasing.”


I didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. But I also reminded myself, that whatever the man had in mind for that evening, I needed to be cautious. Even though the internal voice that had sternly reminded me to keep my distance from him earlier in the week had slowly dissipated to a dull whisper, I warned myself to tread carefully. Especially when it came to matters of the heart. 9


After leaving work, we headed into the parking lot and decided to take a single vehicle. Ford volunteered to drive. He gestured me to his black Mercury Mountaineer, which still bore Illinois plates and stickers.


Chapter 21