Chapter 10: Natural State Summary

As January progresses, Dellarobia records the high and low temperature each day, as she and Ovid worry about the thermometer's consistent descent. One particularly frostbitten Saturday as she waits for Cub to muster himself to do chores, Dellarobia goes to check the thermometer out of habit, and accidentally catches a glimpse of Ovid naked in his camper. Mortified, she quickly turns away, hoping he didn't see her as well, but she cannot keep her thoughts away from her burgeoning attraction to him physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Though she had hoped the butterflies represented a fresh start from her old habits, she still finds herself tempted by this other man in her fantasy life. Returning to the house, she is sure Cub will see her guiltiness, but he barely registers her and they head out together to repair gaps in...