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

“He also says that one day maybe you’ll be my brother, too, if he has anything to say about it. Do you, Ford? Do you still have anything to say about it?”


“Uh, err…why, Mitch?” asked Ford, still blushing up a storm and avoiding direct eye contact with me.


“Because I like him, too. He’s not a fish, but he’s not a stinker either, you know. Not like Steven, who’s a realstinker.”


Finally, Ford met my gaze, and I noted how his eyes had turned glassy, brimming with unshed tears. “You’re right, Mitch. Zane’s not a stinker at all.”


“I’m glad. Ford has a boyfriend now, and I have a girlfriend now. Her name is Tiffany. She lives in a home, too. I met her last week at the zoo during the fieldtrip. Not the plane trip, but the bus trip. I don’t have a drawing of her. I gave it to her instead of keeping it. But I wish I had kept it to show you how pretty she is. That was before that stinker Steven stole my last red pencil, you know.”


Chapter 53