But it could still benefit from being kept in the microwave, couldn’t it? The window was actively letting icy air in, after all. I hadn’t run the heater since the night before, so the temperature in the cabin had already dropped a lot.
 
 I was making up excuses, and I knew it.
 
 But the alternative was sitting in the same chair until Madi came back.
 
 Maybe the excuses were a good thing.
 
 I got up and took the plate to the microwave, opening it up and sticking the ceramic dish inside. When it was shut, I let out a rough breath and nodded.
 
 Good.
 
 That was good.
 
 I could go to work now, and?—
 
 My feet were already moving across the floor.
 
 Her bra and shorts were in my hand a moment later.
 
 Fuck it.
 
 They were at my nose in a heartbeat, and a fierce groan rattled my chest as her smell filled my lungs.
 
 Rich, sweet honey.
 
 Dark, earthy chocolate.
 
 I could’ve come in my pants like a fucking teenager at her scent alone.
 
 I knew I needed to move the fabric away. To put it on the floor.
 
 I just couldn’t.
 
 I took in another deep drag, like the fucking addict I was.
 
 Madi smelled like pure, undiluted pleasure.
 
 If she smelled that good, I’d lose my mind at her taste.
 
 My hands were already moving the fabric, parting it so I could get my tongue on the closest thing I had to her skin, when I heard the softest crunch of snow outside.
 
 She was back.
 
 I was so fucking twisted.
 
 If the snow didn’t melt soon, I’d end up offering her literally anything for a taste.
 
 Maybe I should.
 
 Maybe if I did, I could get her out of my head. Out of my mind. Out of my system.
 
 There wasn’t a chance in hell she could live up to the fantasies I’d had playing through my mind for the last decade.
 
 I managed to shove the fabric in my pocket before she slipped in through the window, shaking snow from her red fur as she landed lightly on her paws.
 
 I forced myself to walk to the bathroom, and grabbed a towel.
 
 There wasn’t time to hide the evidence of my insanity. I just had to hope she didn’t notice her underwear in my pocket.