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

“So anyway,” he said, “I wanted to give you some background, some explanations, and also fair warning, about what’s been happening with my brother. But don’t be surprised if the calls start up again in the next few days. Or they could even start rolling in any second now. I’m not sure. There’s no predicting.”


“I appreciate the information. You mentioned a routine earlier. How often did you visit him?”


“Every few days. Like clockwork. And that works well for the most part. To Mitch, time can sometimes be meaningless, yet in odd moments, it’s almost as if alarm bells go off in his head and he suddenly feels each second slipping away in loneliness. That’s when the hysteria begins. Monday he had the meltdown, and by Tuesday he was just fine, as if nothing had happened the previous day. So for the time being…well, let’s hope he’s okay. Still, an hour could make all the difference, and soon he will realize I’m gone once again and the cycle will start anew.”


Chapter 25