Cora didn’t say a word, and he kept speaking.

In her office, alone and tired, Cora typed the words manipulation in relationships into Google. The results made her flinch. Made shame sink in her stomach. What had she become?

When had it become like this?

Maybe he would change. Maybe therapy would help. Or maybe she needed to stop repeating that refrain to herself.

Ignoring the shaking of her hands, Cora closed the browser. She took a steadying breath and opened her e-mails. There was one from Frazer, letting her know that she had the outlines they needed and that they should start implementing everything.

The thought of spending more time with Frazer sent a thrill through her. An excuse to spend time together. Did Cora really want that?

Shouldn’t she stay away from her?

She was asking herself so many shoulds, she thought she might explode from not knowing the right answer.

They would talk about the project. That was all. They could start to make timetables and secure the after-hours rooms Frazer had already sourced. One by one, they could call in patients, set up protocols, and plan the training week.

Cora would not let herself think once more about that night or about the elevator. Their eyes wouldn’t linger over files with words unsaid, and Cora would not think about falling into the oblivion that was Frazer’s tongue. She would not use her as an excuse to forget her marriage. To forget her husband.

Not once.

* * *

Frazer felt like she was walking on sunshine. Her programme was actually happening.

It was all going to finally get off the ground and become something.

And now Cora was on her way to her office to start making it actually happen.

Frazer was not excited about that.

The kiss in the elevator yesterday had awakened all sorts of urges Frazer had managed to bury deep down for the last few years. Urges she’d been quite happy ignoring. Her aquarium and her job kept her busy enough. Her messy work breakup had damaged her more than she would like to admit.

So, no giving in to urges.

Especially urges she should not be having towards a married woman.

Especially one who was married to her boss.

A knock at the door had Frazer straightening up. She stopped herself from running a hand through her hair and resisted the urge to roll her eyes at herself. Doing that was not part of resisting all this.

They would be professional. Focus on the programme, which was easy for Frazer as she was just so damn excited.

“Come in.”

The door opened slowly. Cora walked in, started to close the door behind her, and stopped part way. The door stayed half open behind her, and she gave a small smile as she sat down.

For a moment, they stared.

She would not let this get awkward. “Hi! How’s your day?”