Alan had gone very still during this explanation, and now said carefully, “Arthur…he what?”
“Oh. Er. I’d never been kissed by anyone before? And I know he didn’t know that, and he was trying to seduce me, I think? He apologized for it. He needed to try, he said. Or he thought he did. His father—” But that was Justin’s business; he couldn’t share it. “Well. Anyway, Justin doesn’t have to go home, and he can stay as long as he wants. As a friend.”
“You’d never kissed anyone before,” Alan said, “and whatever he did, it was enough that you just said you panicked.”
“That’s not the right word. It was only unexpected. And he didn’t mean it. We’re fine. He’s been helpful, honestly, and it’s…well, nice. Having someone to talk to.”
“I like him a little less,” Alan muttered into his tea, which Ju
