Arthur does this so they won't be too discouraged...He knows they are far too fragile to handle a hard rejection so he hints at that not where or what he needs atm...So, isn't Tess being the immature one by blowing up and talking about another girls relationship ,while being mad at Arthur for not wanting to step too far after the kiss she did of her own will without taking art's feelings and standpoint on their relationship? Tess knew the thought process as well so she should know that a relationship for him isn't ideal for him atm. Tess grow up ( ̄へ ̄)
She pisses me off, but we must have a plot I guess...