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

“The ‘my-shit-doesn’t-stink’ attitude. It’s been subdued these past few days.”


“Sounds like you’re glad about that, huh?”


“‘Glad’ is way too trifling a word. ‘Ecstatic’ is more appropriate.”


“I didn’t realize I was coming off as so obnoxious or arrogant—”


“—Or that I was getting under your skin.”


Man, did he hit the nail on the head. “Don’t flatter yourself, pal,” I blurted, beating the heat rushing into my cheeks. “And as to the matter of whether you realized the attitude or not, don’t bullshit me. You’ve made obnoxious behavior and arrogance a fine art, and you know it. It must have taken you years to perfect it. I guess what I don’t understand, is why.”


“Why you feel the need to put up a false front, donning the mask of a conceited, standoffish superstar, a game-player who’s impervious to the feelings of others and has no actual emotions himself. Only recently have I caught a glimpse of what I suspect is the realyou. What gives?”


Chapter 22