The moment I knew: I thought he was a handsome, arrogant colleague – then the tension between us broke

At work, Alison Muir’s relationship with Peter Thorn veered between flirtation and hostility, until one day he stopped sidestepping his feelings Find more stories from the moment I knew series In 1990, I’d started an exciting job as executive assistant to the director and chief curator of the not-yet-opened Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. On my first day, I was introduced to Peter, the museum’s talented publications manager. I smiled as I shook his hand, but he made no distinct impression. As I settled into my role, I felt as if he was deliberately avoiding me. I chalked it up to his apparent conceit as, along with good looks, he had a swagger and confidence that made half the female staff infatuated with him. December came and the office was sweltering. My desk fan blew a memo on to the floor. While collecting it I noticed Peter walking by carrying a heavy box. He was tall, blond and wearing a white T-shirt that showed his tanned skin and strong arms. Suddenly I noticed how truly handsome he was. All this, compounded with his offhandedness, made him catnip. I paid attention. Post-meetings I’d pop into his office with “leftover” fresh coffee and shortbread. When h