[He opens his mouth to explain, but seeing her expression he hesitates and looks back down at Clover. Lips pursed into a hard line, it takes another moment before he finally speaks again.]

...She's just attached to me because I've been with her, that's all.

[In the end he couldn't quite say the truth, but she'll probably figure out the implications as he continues.]

Since this is a new place, she's just...scared. I know it's not ideal, but she might feel more comfortable if I'm in the same room. I can just be on the floor.