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

I rolled on top of Ford, molding my body to his and sprinkling him with kisses. “Thanks,” I whispered against his mouth.


“For opening up to me, for trusting me enough to tell me the truth.”


“As I said, you’re different somehow, Zane. The first person in years I felt I couldtrust with the truth. I realize that now.”


“I am. It’s the last thing I expected when meeting you. With only hearing rumors of your magnificence before actually meeting you, I assumed so many things about your character, things that proved completely unfounded and…what’s so funny?”


“Only a few minutes ago I realized how my own inaccurate assumptions about you guaranteed I’d never qualify for a job as a circus mind-reader. I guess we’ve both made mistakes, huh?”


“We sure did.” He gave me a long, tender kiss on the mouth, while his hands roamed all along my backside. “And hopefully we’ve also learned a lesson in the process—never assume.”


Chapter 43