“When it came time to present the project to our boss, he completely steamrolled me. He talked 90 percent of the time and made it sound like our presentation was his alone, and that I only helped even though I actually did the bulk of the work. I tried to speak up, to assert myself, but our boss just seemed annoyed by that. As if I was wasting his time by splitting hairs.”

Sucking in a long breath through his nose, Graeme briefly closes his eyes. “Everything makes so much sense now. Why you thought the worst of me when it looked like I was taking credit for your work on the video. I wish you would have said something sooner, but I understand now why you didn’t.”

My mouth goes dry, and I nod once. “That’s not the worst part though. When I confronted Sean later about how he behaved, he called me dramatic and tried to convince me that what he did was no big deal. Like he was presenting for both of us and I should be grateful.”

“He was gaslighting you.”

“Yeah, I figured, which is why I broke up with him on the spot… or at least I tried to, but he said we couldn’t break up since we were never actually together. Because it was just sex.”

The vehemence in Graeme’s gaze makes me shiver, and I rub my arms. “Of course, word got out at the office that we were sleeping together. Guess whose reputation took a hit? Not his. Our boss never treated me the same after that. I was passed up for plum assignments and consistently talked over in staff meetings all while Sean’s star continued to rise. Six months later, he was promoted over me. He would have been my direct boss. That’s when I quit.

“Not that I was a perfect employee or didn’t make mistakes or that Sean wasn’t talented,” I babble. “It’s just… I knew I was never going to get a fair shake, not working for him and not at that company.”

“You don’t have to explain. I get it.” Turning to me, Graeme gathers up my hand, giving me plenty of time to pull away. When I don’t, he runs his thumb along the length of my palm. “I’m not Sean.”

“I mean, I don’t think you are, not anymore, but getting involved with you is still a risk. One I’m not sure I’m willing to take.”

“I respect you, Henley. You say you don’t want to do this? Okay. I’ll leave you alone. You say you want to give us a shot but keep it on the DL? I’m down. This is your decision, your choice. I would never do anything you don’t want to do, including reveal personal feelings at work if that makes you uncomfortable.”