Tessie was not a harlot, and to be seen as one an embarrassing prospect. Even though the gentleman was very aware of how stuck they were, she was self-conscious about coming off as too eager to kiss him, even if it was merely to escape their predicament. He seemed sincere, but not very eager; perhaps he didn't think she was pretty enough to be kissing. She wouldn't be surprised — he was handsome himself.

"Oh. N-No, I don't work there either," she offered shyly, averting her gaze from his for a moment. Was she supposed just ask him to kiss here? Was that how this was supposed to work? Or would he ask her permission? Even worse: would he make them wait for Ministry assistance so she'd suffer more embarrassment?

"You... Do you want to, um...?" She released a nervous, almost uncomfortable giggle. The concept of kissing any man in her current situation, let alone a stranger, was such a foreign one indeed!