`` here she is i have to go find my short lover . '' `` feel free to elaborate , '' he said , tempting her to flirt a little more , but she backed off . but holding back never solved anything . thomas thought the senator 's response seemed a little too perfect . reaching out , she put a comforting hand on his knee . i hesitate and it 's the wrong thing to do , but i ca n't think of anything to say . 