Advice, Boyfriend and a colleague

[Towertrip]

Seeing boyfriend for a year, things were great but he has now said just before he met me, he had thing for a female married colleague who he knows liked him. Nothing happened but I can just tell he had strong feelings for her. He wants to be honest so I don't hear the gossip from elsewhere. ,He's telling me he's avoiding her as much as possible and I've asked him to avoid any conversations with her unless totally job related which he's agreed to. But something just feels off, he's not a shy type, flirting is easy for him.Basically I think he would have shagged her had he not met me, which would be one of my business , but I'm feeling uneasy and wondering really if his feelings for her have carried on while dating me. I wonder what this woman looks like. And why he had to mention her anyway. We've rowed about this. We're late forties and an ex had an a ffair, but I need advice please, do I finish it, because I'm struggling to believe him.

He’s setting you up here. Somethings happened, he just wants to get his version of the story out before it all comes out

If there was nothing to it, he would not have needed to say anything, but he has so....

I'm another one wondering why he said something now, he is worried someone is about to tell you something and wanted to get his version in first- I'd be suspicious.
If he had told you at the start of the relationship my answer would have been different

Sounds there's more to this than he's telling you. I wouldn't trust him, if he's worried about gossip, probably far more people know about him fancying the woman. Sorry but he probably still does and all his workmates know he does. He's covering his tracks. As for not talking to her, is that really doable in his job, or is he telling the truth? Also, can't help but think he's getting an ego boost from this, it's bragging.

Triangulation.