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

“Remember? Friday night?” I paused purposefully, hoping to get some sort of reaction from him. It never came. Yes, remember Friday night when you practically kicked me out of your SUV after I gave you—and I quote—“a fucking amazing” blowjob, probably “the best you ever had”?I itched to say just that, but my tongue wouldn’t cooperate. “I promised to list some places you might want to investigate in your quest for a residence…remember now?”


“And they’re all in my area. We might actually be neighbors soon. If that happens, just imagine what fun we could have. If you’re up for some more fun, that is.”


I’d said the last words using my most flirtatious voice. From the sudden fervent look in his dark eyes, I could see he clearly remembered everything about Friday, more than just our conversation about his permanent living arrangements. Finally, I’d hit a vein of raw emotion, and it showed, although fleetingly.


Chapter 33