Chapter 25: Christmas
"Because in the last ten minutes, Santa came to town, kissed mommy, and ran grandma over with a reindeer. I had a drunk uncle who did all those things. Nobody sings songs about him." - Sheldon
"Just a few more steps," Carly gently coaxed her terrified boyfriend.
Carly held Sheldon's hand, walking him off the plane as he anxiously tried to calm his heartbeat. There had been a lot of turbulence during their flight and it had made him more frightened than she'd ever seen him. She had done her best to help him through it, and he allowed her to fuss over him, but he was still worried.
Once in the airport, she led him to where their bags were.
"Good lord that was scary. I honestly thought we wouldn't make it," Sheldon expressed heavily in relief. He finally released her hand from the vice grip he'd had on her for quite some time.
Carly stretched her fingers as they waited for their bags, giving him a worried look. "I'm sorry the turbulence was so bad."
Sheldon rolled his eyes. "Why are you always insistent on apologizing for things you can't control?"
Carly bit her lip and looked away. "Sorry."
Sheldon whirled around on her and she broke into a smile. "That was an accident."
The corners of his lips curved upwards as he turned back. They found their bags and then headed for the exit to get their rental car.
Once inside, Sheldon gave her directions to their hotel so they could get checked in. The plan was to go and have dinner with his mother, sister, and her husband that evening and they both wanted to get freshened up after their flight.
Carly was surprised that their hotel was right next to the ocean. Suddenly this felt more like a romantic getaway than a holiday with the family event.
Once inside the hotel, Sheldon checked them in as Carly looked around the lobby, finding it to be very beautiful. The floors were marble and the architecture was exquisite.
As she was staring out the window to where she could see an illuminated pool, Sheldon came up to her in an irritated huff. "Apparently, they double booked our room and now we have to stay in a king-sized suite. Can you believe that?" Sheldon complained grumpily, his hand tightening on his suitcase. "They had one job and they couldn't even do that right."
Carly gulped at his words, bypassing the complaints and focusing on the fact that he'd said "king size". Did that mean...?
She followed Sheldon up to their room and was immediately given her answer. They both walked in and stared at the overly sized bed in the middle of the room silently, thinking of all the implications.
"Our original room had two queen-sized beds," Sheldon admitted lowly, his eyes running over the bed nervously.
Carly sensed his discomfort and she bit her lip. So it would seem that fate wanted them to share a bed again. "Well, look at it this way. It's a king-sized bed. There will be plenty of room between us."
Sheldon considered her words for a moment before turning to her with a sudden thought, fueled by his anxiety. "What if... we use all those pillows to make a fort between us? Then we won't even notice each other in the bed?"
Carly's mouth dropped at the suggestion. Did he really not want to sleep next to her that much that he'd go to such lengths? She frowned and walked over to the bed. "I don't think that'll be necessary," she murmured. "I don't take up much space."
Sheldon didn't seem convinced but he decidedly gave up attending to different matters. "I'm going to go clean up first. I've had to urinate since we flew over Arizona."
He disappeared into the bathroom with his belongings and she took the moment to look out their ceiling to floor, black pane windows. She gasped at the sight. The ocean looked absolutely breathtaking. The sun was lowering but not quite at sunset yet, making the waves shining white and glittery.
Carly had never been to a hotel overlooking the ocean before and it completely mystified her. Texas was beautiful. She grinned despite herself. She hoped that this would be a time to remember.
She turned, hearing the shower turn on, and looked at the bed again. They'd shared a bed before. Besides, as she had said, there was so much space to be had that they'd not even touch.
Sheldon had still seemed bothered by it though and the fact that he'd booked a room with two beds told her that anything intimate between them would be off the table. Carly sighed and sat down on the bed.
She'd been right, the flash lingerie wouldn't be needed.
Sheldon returned dressed in a new set of clothes: a blue Batman shirt, yellow long sleeves, and dark brown pants. As the door opened she immediately was hit by the strong smell of his soap. She smiled when she saw him.
He quirked a grin. "You're up next, kid."
Carly laughed lightly and stood, grabbing her suitcase and rolling it behind her to the bathroom.
"I'm going to call my mother and tell her we'll be there in about forty minutes. Is that okay?" He asked before she shut the door, already taking his phone out.
"That's fine," she threw over her shoulder and closed the door. She made quick work of opening her case and taking out a new outfit. It was December, and the weather was similar to California during this time of year. The high fifties, low sixties. It got chillier as the night rolled in so she'd packed a sweater.
She took her bag of toiletries, before taking a quick shower to remove all the plane air and sweat off of her.
Afterward, she dressed in a floral skirt, a mustard yellow blouse tucked into it, and a green oversized cardigan over the top. She put some dark-colored tights on to keep herself modest around her boyfriend's religious mother and put on her new pair of leather boots she'd been dying to wear.
She used the blow dryer hanging on the wall by the sink to dry her hair and let it fall loosely around her shoulders in slight waves. She looked herself over in the mirror and figured she looked okay.
Her nerves were starting to get the best of her. Meeting new people would probably always be difficult for her.
She left the bathroom with her suitcase and found Sheldon sitting on the bed, with his phone. He looked up at her when she exited and she gave him a shy smile, placing her case beside his by the wall.
"Ready to go?" He asked, getting to his feet.
She nodded in affirmation and they left after she grabbed her leather purse. Sheldon and Carly were meeting them at an Italian restaurant and she smiled when she found out, knowing it was his Italian night.
Things never changed.
"I'm a little nervous," she confessed while pulling into the parking lot of the restaurant, giving the building an anxious glance.
Sheldon looked over at her. "Don't be. There's nothing to be nervous about. You've already met my mother."
Carly bit her lip as she turned the car into a spot, near the entrance. "It's more of meeting your twin sister and her husband. I get anxious meeting new people. What if they don't like me?"
"Joe couldn't come, he has to work," Sheldon told her, hoping it would dissuade her fears. "But Missy is harmless unless you get on her bad side. In that case, you should be relieved you don't have testicles."
Carly was left hanging with her mouth open as he exited the car. She sure hoped she didn't get on Missy or anyone's bad side. She still had Georgie and Mee-Maw to meet, she reminded herself.
Sheldon stood by the front of the car, looking at her expectantly and she hurried to grab her purse and climb out.
The restaurant was very nice but not as lavish as the one Sheldon had taken her to the night he left on the train. Sheldon caught sight of his mother and sister and led her over to them.
"Shelly! Baby, I'm so glad you two could make it," Mary said happily, sounding close to tears of joy as she pulled her son into a fierce hug.
Because of the height difference, Sheldon lowered himself to hug her back, rather awkwardly as he hated public displays of affection.
Carly bit her lip and glanced to the dark-haired woman who must be Missy, finding her standing from the table and grinning at Sheldon. They both must really love him, she mused.
"Hi mom," he said into her ear and she pulled away, just in time for Missy to step into view. "Missy."
"Sheldon. Come here," she said with a teasing command and he rolled his eyes before letting her embrace him as well.
Mary looked around them, catching sight of Carly. Carly's heart jumped at the grin that overtook Sheldon's mother and suddenly she too was pulled into a tight hug.
"Hi Mrs. Cooper," she murmured into her shiny hair and Mary laughed.
"I told you to call me Mary," she reminded, patting her to the shoulder as she pulled away. "It's so wonderful to see you again, sweetheart."
Carly softened, smiling at her fondly. "It's wonderful to see you too Mary. I'm glad we could make it for Christmas."
"Oh I prayed so hard for Sheldon to change his mind about coming and seeing his momma this year, and it always amazes me how the Lord works his miracles."
Sheldon dramatically groaned and plopped down into a chair at their table. "Oh, please don't start with the Bible nonsense."
"You watch your mouth, young man," Mary scolded and Sheldon frowned, looking away with tight lips.
Mary turned back to Carly with a smile and then gestured to Missy who came up beside her. "Carly, this is Missy. Sheldon's twin sister."
Missy's smile brightened at the sight of her and Carly couldn't help but notice how it made her even prettier. In fact, she was gorgeous and very tall, just like Sheldon. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Carly!"
Carly smiled sweetly. "You as well. I've heard so much about you."
Missy cringed with her smile and threw a glance towards Sheldon. "Oh, I hope it's all good things."
Carly grinned. "Mostly."
They sat down at the table, Carly next to Sheldon and the other women on the other side. The waiter took their drink orders and then they perused the menu, except for Sheldon who already knew what he would order.
"How was your flight Shelly-bean?" Mary asked him over her menu, glancing up at him.
Sheldon winced and Carly grimaced at the reminder.
"The turbulence was horrendous. I had to practically fear for my life the whole three hours," he complained and Mary gave him a sympathetic look.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that Shelly. I know how you don't care to fly."
"It's fine. We made it in one piece, thank goodness," he muttered and then looked over at Carly, who was trying not to look too worried about what to order from the menu.
There were a lot of options.
She finally decided on an alfredo as the waiter came back for their orders. As they waited for their food, Missy looked over at Carly with keen interest.
"So, Carly. What made you decide to hook up with my neurotic twin brother?"
Mary elbowed her in the arm, but Missy was undeterred. Sheldon, on the other hand, took offense.
"Neurotic? That's rude."
Missy just ignored him and waited expectantly for Carly.
She immediately felt uncomfortable at the question. "Um, well... he's funny and brilliant. We have a lot of laughs together and we seem to understand each other. It's... nice, to have a kindred companionship."
She glanced over at Sheldon and found him staring down at his drink thoughtfully, considering her words.
Missy grinned. "The fact that you say you understand him is astonishing to me."
"Missy, that's enough. Leave the poor dear alone," Mary told her softly and gave Carly a small smile, to which she returned smoothly.
Their meal was delicious and Carly was relieved to get along well with Missy. Sheldon hadn't done her justice. She was sweet but had that spark that Sheldon spoke of. Any time Sheldon would say anything remotely condescending, she or his mother were quick to call him out on it- much to his dismay.
It was remarkable.
Mary paid for their meals, kindly enough, and they said their farewells for the night with promises to come over the next day for dinner. It was Christmas Day and both Mee-Maw and Georgie would be there.
"Your sister's nice," Carly commented as they drove back to their hotel for the night.
Sheldon shrugged aimlessly. "That depends on what mood she's in, and what you've said prior."
Carly bit her lip, trying to stifle her smile. "Yes well, I had a good time. Did you?" She glanced over at him to find him considering her words.
"It was fine. I'm glad you all get along," he told her earnestly and she brightened. "Although, tomorrow sounds like it'll be a disaster in the making. I'm not looking forward to seeing my brother."
Carly frowned at his dismal tone. "Why not?"
Sheldon crossed his arms over his chest as the street lights illuminated his face. "He tormented me my whole childhood. I couldn't wait to leave to get away from him... I haven't seen him in years and I wanted to keep it that way."
Carly felt bad for him. The prospect of seeing his brother must be bringing up old trauma. She could understand that. "Well, perhaps things will be different now. You're both grown, have different lives. Maybe it'll go better than you think."
Sheldon sighed. "I hope."
They returned to their hotel room and Carly immediately remembered their sleeping arrangements. Swallowing down her anxiety, she excused herself to the bathroom with her suitcase.
She took her time getting ready for bed but realized just how tired she was. It had been a long day of airports, traveling, and new people to meet. She could use a good night's sleep.
She dressed down in a yellow tank top and gray sweatpants, and then went to leave the bathroom but paused. She looked down at herself, realizing she wasn't wearing a bra. Would he notice? He'd always noticed before.
She didn't like the idea of wearing one to bed though, so she grasped courage and left the bathroom. Sheldon was dressed in red, white, and gray plaid pajamas. His robe lay on the chair at the small table next to the window, but he was sitting on the bed, his loafers covering his feet.
She heard the tv going and realized he was watching. When she walked through the room, he looked over at her.
"Hi," she said shyly, coming over to her side of the bed.
Sheldon's mouth parted and his eyes drifted over her. "Hello."
She bit her lip and dropped her gaze, getting under the covers to hide from his eyes. Despite it being a king-sized bed, she suddenly realized how close they were going to be.
"Tired?" He asked her lowly and she nodded, nuzzling her head on the pillow.
"Very," she admitted, with a small smile.
Sheldon grabbed the remote next to him and turned the tv off. "Good, me too. We should get some sleep. We have a whole other traumatic day ahead of us tomorrow," he said while removing his loafers, then turning the lamp off next to him.
The room immediately darkened except for the moonlight streaming in from the window. Carly held her breath as she watched Sheldon get under the covers and laid on his back. He stared up at the ceiling for a long moment, until he turned his eyes to her.
Her heart jumped.
"Are you sure we shouldn't build a pillow fort between us? I'm worried we may get too hot."
Carly smiled gently at his worries. "No, I'm sure we'll be fine." She stretched an arm out toward him, her fingers about an inch from his arm. "See? We can't even touch if we wanted to."
Sheldon rolled his eyes as she brought her arm back. "Speak for yourself. You have tiny arms that put tyrannosaurus rex's to shame." To prove his point, he outstretched his arm, his fingers brushing along her arm easily.
His touch gave her goosebumps and she snuggled further into the covers when he pulled his hand away.
"See? The pillow forts sounding good right about now, isn't it?" He asked, a haughty expression on his face.
"No, no pillow forts," she laughed and pressed her cheek into the pillow, her legs curling up to her chest. "Just go to sleep."
Sheldon took a deep breath and looked back up at the ceiling. "Fine. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Even though she was tired, she couldn't close her eyes. Sheldon- her Sheldon- was laying next to her in bed.
What she wouldn't give to cuddle up to him and feel his steady heartbeat. It would be so relaxing. Just imagining it, she closed her eyes briefly with a smile.
Sheldon also couldn't close his eyes, his mind spinning with the fact that the object of his wildest fantasies was laying right next to him in bed was driving him crazy. It would take nothing at all to roll over and grab her up in his arms, holding her.
He remembered like it was yesterday, her arm thrown over him and snuggled up to him as she slept all those months ago when she'd passed out in his bed. But it wasn't appropriate. If... if they snuggled then he'd have to let down his defenses and if he did that... then, well, he would probably do more than just snuggle her.
He shut his eyes, remembering how her hand felt on him. How his hands grabbed her soft, bare breasts. How she'd moan under him, gasping at his hands on her.
Oh no! He snapped his eyes open, realizing that he was currently getting an erection. Hoping the blankets would be thick enough to hide it, he tried to act natural but his breathing had picked up.
Carly heard it in the silent hotel room and she looked over at him, seeing his shadowed face look bothered all of a sudden. "Are you okay?" She whispered, worried about him. Perhaps sharing a bed with her was too much after all.
Sheldon flinched, furthering her concern for him. He looked over at her, his eyes wide. "What? Of course, I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" Even he heard the overkill in his voice. He groaned inwardly at himself.
Carly's frown deepened. He was acting strange. She didn't want to push him though. This had to be difficult for him. "Okay," she murmured and took a deep breath, closing her eyes to try to let it go. He obviously didn't want to talk about it.
Sheldon let out a silent exhale in relief when she didn't push him. His erection wasn't going anywhere though and that aggravated him. It must be because she was right there next to him, at arm's length.
His eyes took in her sleepy face; her closed eyes and soft lips. Her brown tresses framing her soft lines. The moonlight made her look ethereal. It took his breath away. She was too beautiful. There was no way someone this attractive was in love with him.
He had to of fallen into another dimension or had somehow created her with his mind. There was no other explanation.
His body gradually relaxed, watching her and listening to her breathing slow to a rhythm that alerted him that she was asleep. It softly lulled him and at some point his eyes drifted closed, succumbing to dreams of dark hair and tea-colored eyes.
oO0Oo
When Sheldon came to, he inhaled what felt like hair. Choking slightly, he spluttered and pulled away. With a hasty look, he realized just what he'd breathed in.
His heart jumped, seeing Carly's mass of dark hair on his pillow. No, not his pillow... if the proximity they had to the edge of the bed told him anything. At some point in the duration of his sleep, he had slid over and what looked to be snuggled, Carly.
He gulped and looked down at himself, noticing how his body was pressed against hers and how his arm lay around her waist.
Oh no... This had been what he'd been worried about if they shared a bed. However, because of the previous time they shared one, he'd assumed she would snuggle him.
Now here he was, cuddling up to her like some starved hippy.
Yet, the warmth from her settled his nerves and he couldn't bring himself to pull away. She still seemed to be sleeping and he took the moment to relish in the fact he could be close to her without any repercussions.
Besides, why was he freaking out so much? This was the woman he loved... they'd been close before. Very close, in his opinion.
He hesitantly moved himself back into her and slid his nose up against her hair, smelling greatly at her vanilla strands. He smiled to himself. The smell always made him feel so utterly blissful, safe, and at home.
She made him feel this way. So why deny himself of it?
He frowned at the inner voice in the back of his head. Recently, that inner voice had been prodding him and poking him- insisting that he'd be better off he just succumbed to how he truly felt for Carly yet...
He was scared. Would the fear of losing her or himself after completely giving himself to her fully go away? He didn't know but it was becoming tiresome.
He wanted to give everything to her. She deserved it. She wanted it too and she'd been so understanding and patient. It was the least he could do.
She was fearful too, he knew that. After he'd left her, she hadn't been the same. Nervous around him and worried, probably that he'd leave again. Sheldon wasn't an expert in reading people but that... he noticed.
He had promised that he wouldn't leave her again, and he'd meant it. He couldn't bring himself to run from her any longer. No, he wanted to run to her.
His arm twitched around her and he held her more firmly, holding himself to her, seeking comfort. He shut his eyes. He wanted to feel this feeling forever. Could he?
She'd been understanding of him until this point but what if she got tired of it? Then he'd be lost. He couldn't bear to even think about it. At some point in the relationship, he'd become incredibly dependent on her.
In her sleep, Carly settled further into his arms, ceasing Sheldon's breathing in fear he'd woken her. Her posterior had nuzzled into the crook above his legs quite perfectly and he couldn't move. She was pressed right against his...
She moved again and his eyes popped open. Was she waking this time?
Panicking at being caught cuddling her this way, he thought about how he'd get himself out of the situation before she noticed but then she was running her hand up to his arm.
He gasped lightly, with his heart rate speeding up. Light tingles were left in her hands' wake, and he shuddered slightly. He needed to get away from her.
Why wasn't he able to move? It was as if his body was rebelling, taking what it wanted and leading his mind to a scrambled mess.
Carly's breathing sounded different and he knew without a doubt she was awake. It was too late to back out now.
Her hand slid down to his hand, holding his hand to her stomach softly. He swallowed and tried to make himself relax. He slid his eyes closed again and nuzzled his nose into her neck.
She took a small ragged intake of breath at his action and he felt his body jolt at the sound. Oh god, how she made him feel.
He pressed nearer and kissed her skin under her ear softly. Mmm, she tasted so good. Just like a cookie that made his mouth water.
"Sh-Sheldon?" Carly breathed his name heavily into the silence of the room.
It enacted a surge of want for her. He wanted to hear her say his name again in a different setting. One where he was atop her and bringing her to rapture. Claiming her. Marking her as his and his only.
He slid his lips up to her ear, making her body shudder against him. It woke up the fast asleep organ he had nestled against her bottom.
He gulped and made himself withdrew before he could further embarrass himself.
When he gave their bodies a foot of distance, Carly turned over on her back and their eyes met. She looked positively surprised, but goodness, so beautiful in the morning.
He was startled by how much he wanted to continue seeing this image of her for the rest of his life. He knows for a fact that he'd live blissfully if he could.
"Good morning," he whispered shyly, his eyes sliding down to where her shirt met her breasts most deliciously. He licked his lips absently and made himself look at her face.
"Good morning," she murmured, before demurely pulling her bottom lip into her mouth. The action immediately sent him reeling. Would it always pose that effect on him?
Thankfully she didn't comment on how he'd been all over her previously. Yet, her next question skirted around it.
"Did you sleep well?"
Sheldon nodded slightly against his pillow. "I don't remember falling asleep. I must have been more tired than I'd realized."
Carly smiled softly at him, making his heart swell. "It was a long day. I'm sure today will be just as long."
At her words, Sheldon realized she was right. He remembered just what lay ahead for them. Christmas... Carly may have convinced him to come home for the holiday, but he wouldn't be celebrating.
At his sudden frown, Carly lifted a hand and placed it on his arm. He didn't even react to the touch, which encouraged her to keep it there.
"I'm excited to meet your Mee-Maw," she admitted to him, omitting how nervous she was. She wanted him to feel reassured.
Sheldon smiled at her, his eyes lighting up at the mention of his grandmother. "I'm excited for you to meet her as well. She will love you."
Carly brightened at his words, then sighed and looked over at the alarm clock on the end table next to her. "Oh!" She sat up in alarm, realizing how late it was.
Sheldon sat up, startled by her reaction. "What? What's wrong?"
Carly turned wide eyes to him. "It's almost eleven. We slept so late!"
Sheldon gaped at her. He couldn't remember the last time he'd slept till eleven. His internal alarm clock always had him up at six in the morning- even with the time zone change, it shouldn't have made a difference.
"Oh my," he relented and then got out of bed, sliding his loafers on. "We missed breakfast."
Carly sent a worried look to her boyfriend as she too climbed out of bed. "We can stop and get something."
Sheldon nodded distractedly, still in disbelief by how late they'd slept. "It'd be brunch now, though."
Carly tilted her head. "True, but we can still have breakfast."
Sheldon conceded. "Very well. I'll get cleaned up and ready to go."
Carly smiled as she watched him leave for the bathroom, relieved he wasn't going into complete chaos at the disruption to his normal schedule. However, she knew it would be a little hard to keep to his routine as they were over one thousand miles away from home.
Carly took the time with him showering and getting dressed to make the bed, replaying what she had woken up to in her head. She couldn't believe he'd not only been cuddling her but he'd shown such a sensual, loving side to him that had her mind spinning.
Sheldon always held her at arm's length, however, perhaps he'd thought she was asleep when he'd done it. Where he could act without any inhibitions. She smiled giddily at herself. Maybe he'd get comfortable enough with her to do it even when she was very much awake.
She could get used to waking up in such away.
She laughed lightly as she placed the pillows neatly along the large bed. He'd been so against them even remotely touching while they slept, yet he'd been the one to breach the field and came to her.
It made her heart happy. He sure did like surprising her. It was enough to keep her waiting patiently for the day he decided to stop hiding behind walls. She knew he'd be worth the wait.
That morning was proof enough.
Carly took her Christmas outfit she'd packed out of her suitcase, along with a bra and underwear. Her fingers skipped ruffly lace and she froze.
The flash lingerie.
She peeked shyly, unable to fully remove it to look at it. Sheldon could walk out at any moment and she didn't want to explain it to him. Or send him running once he found out what it meant.
Penny had told her that he'd love it and she has packed it just in case anything came of their trip, but she couldn't help but feel like an over-ambitious fool. He couldn't even admit to himself he wanted to hold her while he slept, how on earth would they go that far...
She removed her hand and then grabbed the bag of presents she'd bought for his family, thinking of the issue at hand. She hoped they liked her.
Carly was zipping her case back up when Sheldon exited the bathroom, dressed in a green lantern shirt and a purple long sleeve shirt underneath, pushed up to his elbows, with taupe-colored pants. The room immediately smelled like him.
He caught her on the floor and followed her movements as she stood. She smiled at him and took her turn to get ready. She piled her hair upon her head, not having time to wash or dry it, and took a quick shower.
She got dressed in her red cotton dress, dark tights, and her boots. It was festive enough but also, didn't scream Christmas as Sheldon would disapprove of. She let her hair fall around her shoulders and secured it to the side with a silver clip.
She put on light makeup and then exited the bathroom, finding him pacing in the room with a look of thought down at his phone.
"Everything all right?" She wandered over to him and he stopped, looking up at her as if he hadn't heard her return. She doubted he had not heard the door click open. He heard everything.
"Oh, yes of course. You look..." he eyed her attire, finding her fresh and clean. The red dress brought the small flecks of gold in her eyes brighter. He swallowed, trying to find the right word for her. "Beautiful."
Carly blushed prettily under his gaze and she looked away demurely. "Thank you, Sheldon," she murmured with a bashful smile.
His lips curved upwards at her shy behavior, finding it endearing. "You're welcome," he replied softly then glanced down at his phone. "There's a breakfast place down the road from my mother's house, where we used to go when I was a child. We could go there if you want."
Carly smiled and nodded. "Sounds perfect." The idea of a younger Sheldon going anywhere made her feel lighter.
"Great, let's go," he said and picked up his wallet from the table, putting it in his back pocket and grabbing the keycard.
Carly took her leather purse and the bag of presents she'd prepared.
Sheldon saw them and rolled his eyes, still finding her insistence on gifting his family unneeded.
It was a relatively short drive to the restaurant and they soon found themselves, waiting for their food, both stomachs clenching in protest.
Especially Sheldon's who wasn't used to waiting this long before he consumed something.
He drank his orange juice greedily, hoping it would help the embarrassing growl that threatened to erupt in his belly.
"What time do we need to be there?" Carly wondered over her cup of coffee, both hands upon it to relish in the comfort the warmth gave her. It wasn't cold in the restaurant but she enjoyed it nonetheless.
"One," he told her. "However I thought we could go see Mee-Maw before we go. I'd like for you to meet her before we all gather at my mother's house. It'll probably be too chaotic to have a conversation."
Carly smiled at the thoughtfulness of her boyfriend. "That's probably a good idea."
"With the way my family can get around the holidays, it's a good idea," he muttered before the waitress returned with a tray full of their food.
Once again, they sat across from each other with Sheldon eating French toast and Carly eating waffles. It reminded her of the fateful day they'd spent together before getting caught in the rain.
They ate in companionable silence, both too hungry to stop eating for a conversation. Near the end, when Carly didn't feel like she needed to rush any longer, she looked up at Sheldon as he took a sip from his orange juice.
He was so handsome. She didn't care if he didn't believe in luck. She felt incredibly lucky to have him as her boyfriend.
After their meal, they headed back for the car and Sheldon gave her directions to his grandmother's house. As it turned out, it was adjacent to Mary's house and so they'd only need to walk over to her house once the time neared to be there.
Carly's hands began to sweat from nerves as she looked at the cute little yellow house that belonged to his Mee-Maw. She could agree with him, it did look similar to her grandmother's house.
Sheldon gave her an excited grin before he jumped out of the car, intent on beating her to the door. Carly laughed nervously and followed after him.
As soon as she had placed her foot on the porch, Sheldon was knocking. He glanced back at her as she came to his side, his eyes twinkling as he rocked back and forth on his feet with enthusiasm.
"You're going to love her, Carly. She is the best. The literal best," he gushed and she grinned, finding him so adorable at that moment. He loved his Mee-Maw so much.
Moments later, the door opened and there stood a skinny, elderly woman with pure white hair. At the sight of her, Sheldon had taken the necessary steps to envelop her into a tight hug.
"Mee-Maw!" He breathed happily into her sugar-smelling hair. Carly stood motionless, in awe at her touch-phobic boyfriend enthusiastically hugging someone.
"Oh, Moonpie. I'm so glad to see you!" She choked emotionally, her arms wrapping around him. "Here let me look at you."
He stood up and pulled away slightly, her hands on his biceps. "My goodness, Shelly you've gotten so handsome. You're not nearly as skinny as you were a few years ago when you came. I'm so glad. I was worried about you."
Sheldon shrugged off the concern casually. "There's no need to worry. Enough about me, how are you? Are you still bowling? Have you finally stopped smoking? Do you still drink whiskey? How many boyfriends do you have? Does mom know about them?"
Mee-Maw looked speechless at his rapid questions before she reached up with a hand and patted his cheek fondly. "You always did care about my personal life, Moonpie. I'm doing fine... and I'm eighty-nine years old- I don't have any boyfriends, not that it's any of your business, and I've told you that plenty of times in our letters."
Sheldon nodded vaguely. "And smoking?"
She rolled her eyes at her grandson. Always the meddler. "I have a patch. Now cool it. You haven't even been here for five minutes and you're already lecturin' me. Let me meet your woman friend."
Their eyes met and Carly gave Mee-Maw a shy smile. "Hello," she greeted politely.
Mee-Maw's eyes glassed over at the sight of her and she walked over, smiling in awe. She grabbed Carly's hands. "It's so wonderful to meet you Darlin'. When Moonpie told me he was dating a woman, I was shocked to find out she wasn't a science experiment gone wrong."
Sheldon scoffed at the words but shifted on his feet and interjected. "MeeMaw this is Carly Bennett, my girlfriend. Carly, this is Mee-Maw."
Carly's heart raced wildly in her chest as the elderly woman took in her appearance and gave her a sweet smile. "Yep, you're all right. I can't believe it, Moonpie. I'm so proud of you."
Sheldon preened under the praise and glanced to Carly who grinned at him.
"Well, don't stand there all day you two. Come on in!" She told them, turning away suddenly and walking back inside her house. Sheldon and Carly followed her inside.
They sat down in her living room, both finding the couch next to each other as Mee-Maw sat in a plush chair near them. A lavishly decorated Christmas tree was put up in the corner of the room. Carly smiled at it.
"Now, Moonpie tells me you're a librarian. Don't all librarians wear glasses," she wisecracked and Carly bit her lip, smiling at the older woman with good humor.
"Ah yes, I suppose I didn't get the memo. It'd fit though, wouldn't it?" She joked back, surprised with how easy it seemed to be around the woman. She was beginning to realize why Sheldon could be his utmost self around her.
"No, of course, it wouldn't. You don't wear glasses. If you did then it'd just be disconcerting," Sheldon stated seriously, not realizing they were joking.
Carly smiled at him. "That's true." Sheldon returned the sentiment.
Mee-Maw's smile widened at how they looked at each other. Perhaps this was a miracle as her daughter had mentioned. God did work in mysterious ways.
"I do have to admit, I honestly thought if Shelly did find someone, it'd be a scientist. My Moonpie can't get his head out of the stars long enough to notice anyone else."
Sheldon rolled his eyes. "The stars, Mee-Maw? I'm not an astronomer. I'm a physicist."
Mee-Maw waved him off good-naturedly. "As I was saying, the fact that you moved into his building was a Godsend, if Moonpie believed in God that is."
Carly smiled shyly, as Sheldon snorted. "You all act like I was just going to be alone forever."
Mee-Maw rose an eyebrow at him. "Shelly, you've never had an interest in anything other than science and mathematics since you were three. Please explain to me how we were to expect you to find anyone to settle down with?"
Carly blushed at the word "settle down", thinking differently than Sheldon obviously was.
He screwed his face up. "I know you're right in your assumptions, but don't treat me like a charity case."
Mee-Maw softened. "I wouldn't dream of it, Moonpie." Sheldon visibly relaxed at her gentle words. "Say, do you mind going and making tea for us? I haven't had a good cup of tea since the last time you were here."
Sheldon perked up and stood. "Of course! Is the drink thermometer still in the top drawer by the sink?" He asked eagerly and Mee-Maw smiled fondly at him.
"Of course it is. Where else would I keep it?"
Sheldon grinned happily and glanced at Carly. "Be right back," he told her and then disappeared into the back of the house where Carly supposed was the kitchen.
Now alone with Sheldon's grandmother, Carly felt nervous all over again. She bit her lip and trailed her eyes back over to her. The elderly woman smiled sweetly at her.
"I did mean it before, Darlin'. You coming into his life was a Godsend. Anyone with eyes can see it. The way Shelly talks about you in his letters to me, tells me enough."
Carly fidgeted with her fingers. "He writes about me?"
Mee-Maw smiled at the girl. "Of course he does, Darlin'. He's absolutely smitten with you. I don't think I've ever seen him this way other than with trains and science."
Carly smiled demurely and nodded slightly. "He's done a number on me too, in all honesty. I was lonely before I met him. I never really knew my place in this world. Moving to Pasadena, I was hoping to find it. When I met Sheldon and his friends, everything just... clicked into place. I feel more like myself than I ever have before."
Mee-Maw took a deep breath, her eyes twinkling. "You have quite in common then, when it comes to that. He's brilliant, too brilliant, but he's always been a loner. Never really fitting in. Before his good buddy Leonard moved in with him, we didn't think he'd ever truly had friends. We especially didn't see him finding a girlfriend... but I'm glad it's you. You seem like a truly special girl. If only because you've captured an impossible man's heart."
Carly swallowed thickly with emotion. "Thank you," she whispered greatly. "He's captured mine. I wouldn't know what to do without him now."
Mee-Maws's smile fell sad and she shifted in her chair. "Yeah, speaking of that. I know it wasn't easy on you when he left back in August."
Carly bit her lip and tore her eyes away. She never liked talking about that time, for more reasons than just one. "It wasn't. Not only had Sheldon left, but my grandmother had a stroke."
Mee-Maw nodded in sympathy. "Mary told me. The poor guy called her, clearly upset with himself."
Carly looked up from under her lashes. She didn't know that.
Mee-Maw smiled gently. "I'm glad she's all right dear. From what I heard, she's your only living relative."
Carly nodded. "Yes. Well, I have an Aunt but she doesn't live in California. My grandmother raised me."
"I see... well Shelly was pretty upset about leaving you when it happened. He has a hard time, you know? With his feelings. He's always pushed them down, never giving them much thought because of how his mind works. He's... always been scientific. I don't think that'll ever change, but I can see how he's softened. Just by his letters and how I've seen him just now. It's like he's glowing."
Carly's lip trembled and her eyes glossed over. "It's probably because he's with you. He missed you and was really excited to see you... actually, I'm pretty sure you're the only reason why he decided to come."
Mee-Maw chuckled at that. "Well, don't tell his momma that. She'd never let me live that down," she laughed, then turned serious once more. "No, I see it. You will too, I'm sure."
Carly's heart fluttered. She hoped.
Shortly after, Sheldon returned with a tray of perfectly brewed tea, none the wiser for what they'd been talking about. They chatted about work, about Mee-Maw's gambling that she still did on occasion at the casino, and Texas life.
Carly could tell Sheldon was truly missing his grandmother. She was so glad that he'd decided to come.
It neared one before any of them had noticed and so they cleaned up the tea and got ready to go over to Mary's. Carly stopped by the car to grab her bag of gifts while Sheldon led Mee-Maw across the street, her hand on his arm.
Carly smiled at the sight. Both looked over the moon to be with each other again.
Mary's house was lovely and decorated for Christmas. It made Carly's heart soar at the magic feel of it. It was like she was in a true Hallmark movie.
Missy and Mary both hugged her when they saw her, taking her from Sheldon to help them in the kitchen. Carly assumed they wanted to spend time with her.
She didn't mind.
"Where's Georgie?" Sheldon asked after depositing his grandmother at the dining table, looking around the kitchen as if he'd appear.
Mary threw a look over her shoulder at her youngest son as she prepared the holiday ham. "Unfortunately I don't think he's comin', Shelly. Something about having to go into work."
Carly caught the troubled look on Sheldon's face but before she could bring notice to it, it was gone.
"I see," he said simply and then went over to Mee-Maw and sat next to her.
"Hey Moonpie, I made these especially for you when I heard you'd be comin'," she told him giddily, pushing a tin that was on the table toward him.
Sheldon's eyes lit up. "Is this what I think it is?"
Mee-Maw just winked, her tongue poking through her teeth. Sheldon opened it enthusiastically and gasped.
"Sugar cookies? For me?" He whispered and Mee-Maw grinned, reaching over and caressing his cheek.
"Only for my Moonpie."
Sheldon picked one up and delicately took a bite, before groaning in content. "Oh my..." he breathed, savoring every chew.
Carly watched the interaction from the kitchen, tossing a salad that Missy had asked her to make. Her heart swelled. Yes, this was a wonderful idea. Sheldon obviously didn't realize how much he'd want this.
Missy caught the wistful smile Carly was giving her twin and smiled under her breath. That girl had it bad.
"Ya know... Mee-Maw would probably give you the recipe for her sugar cookies if you asked. Then you could make them for him any time he wanted," Missy suggested, coming over to her with a pitcher of iced tea.
Carly tore her gaze from Sheldon to look over at Missy. "Do you think he'd want me to? It seems like it is a definite Mee-Maw thing. I wouldn't want to take that away from him."
Missy laughed. "Sheldon might have a brain the size of the universe, but he's still a man. And if my husband and father are any proof, love is through a man's stomach."
Mary overheard with the ham in her hands, walking with it towards the table. "I'd drink to that," she affirmed with a grin for Carly's sake. "Tea, not alcohol."
Carly laughed lightly and followed Missy and Mary to the table, setting the tea and salad down. Mary had Sheldon also help bring the rest of the dishes to the table before they all sat down.
Joe, Missy's husband finally came in, excusing himself and explaining he'd been stuck at work. Missy had rolled her eyes at him but she obviously cared for the man.
Mary had them all hold hands to say grace before they began eating, much to Sheldon's dismay but he was relieved he didn't have to touch anyone but Mee-Maw and Carly.
The dinner was lovely and Carly felt like it was the best ham she'd had in a very long time. Afterward, they ventured into the living room around the tree to open gifts.
Sheldon hadn't left Mee-Maw's side and Carly followed him after taking her bag to hand her gifts out.
For Missy, she'd bought a little gold bracelet with a butterfly engraved in it. Sheldon had mentioned before that his twin held a fondness for them, and had even gotten a tattoo of one on her ankle. She'd been ecstatic to see it, putting it on herself immediately.
For Joe, she'd given him a book about older cars, after finding out he was tinkering on one in Missy and his garage. Missy had rolled her eyes but Joe had been thankful.
For Mary, she'd bought a floral prayer journal. Her grandmother had one and so when she found out she'd be spending Christmas with Mary, she just knew she'd need to get her one. Mary had been close to tears with thankfulness at the thoughtful gift, throwing her arms around Carly happily.
Sheldon had just crossed his arms, disapproving of the gifts she'd bought his family.
Lastly, she handed Mee-Maw over her gift. It was a framed picture of Sheldon at his presentation that month, dressed smartly and smiling at her. Carly had figured the woman should have a photo of her grandson, making accomplishments in his career.
Mee-Maw wiped at her eyes at the sight of it, truly finding Sheldon to be so grown up and mature now. Of course, he'd always be Sheldon, yet there something different about him nowadays. She had a feeling why that was...
Sheldon had perked up at the gift and grinned happily when he saw himself. He began talking animatedly to her about the presentation, excited about telling her all about it firsthand.
Carly had been surprised when Mary had handed over a small box to her. She looked down at it, her heart beating nervously. It looked like a jewelry box.
"Go ahead, open it."
Sheldon had stopped talking and looked over at her, watching raptly as Carly opened the small box. In it lay a small, thin gold chain necklace with a tear-dropped cut ruby. Carly gasped at the sight of it, unable to process what she was being given.
She looked up at Mary, with Missy sitting beside her. Both smiled softly at her.
"It was mine, back in the day. Sheldon's father bought it for me. I... I've given Missy a necklace as well, but I thought with you taken my little boy's heart, you deserved something just as special."
Carly felt tears burn her eyelids and she looked back down at the necklace, blinking away the blurriness. "I don't know what to say," she whispered.
Sheldon was silent, staring at Carly in wonder. His mother had given her that necklace? He remembered his mom wearing it often while he grew up. Carly wearing it would be... amazing.
Carly took the necklace between delicate fingers and then looked back up to Mary with happy tears. "Thank you so much, Mary. I... I'll treasure this forever."
Mary gave her a tearful smile as well. "I'm glad to hear it. And Shelly... you best take care of this little girl, you hear me?"
Sheldon rolled his eyes at his mother's tone but looked over to Carly who was staring mystified down at the necklace. His heart grew soft and so did his face. "I will," he murmured, more to himself than anyone.
Mary caught her mother's eyes and they shared a special smile, knowing that this wouldn't be the last time they'd see the couple together.
The rest of the evening, they played games. Carly learned how to play poker, with Sheldon helping her as they tried to take on the supposed champion- Mee-Maw.
When it was close to eight, Carly and Sheldon stood to leave for their hotel room. Both felt saddened that they'd be leaving for Pasadena the next morning. Sheldon, because of parting ways with his Mee-Maw, and he supposed his mother too.
But Carly for all of them. Just like Sheldon's friends, his family had welcomed her with warm arms. She desperately wished she could tell her younger self that things would get better.
They hugged and farewelled the family, then departed. Carly was silent for the ride home, still moved by the gift she'd received from Mary. She knew she'd be wearing it every day from now on. It was truly special.
Sheldon looked over at her in the darkened car, considering her face for a long minute as she thought over the day's events.
"Thank you for convincing me to come, Carly. I... it was better than I thought it'd be."
Carly glanced over at him then, meeting his eyes briefly before looking back at the road with a smile. "I'm glad, Sheldon. I was hoping you'd think that."
"I have to admit though, I'm relieved Georgie didn't come," he muttered, looking over at the window.
Carly bit her lip. "Perhaps now just wasn't the right time to reconcile."
Sheldon pressed his lips together in thought. "Perhaps." He was quiet for a couple of beats before coming up with a sudden thought. "Everyone loved you. Even I could tell."
Carly smiled over at him. "They liked their gifts. I'm really glad."
Sheldon looked down at the little jewelry box in the center console in the out, before picking it up and opening it. He gazed down at the necklace. "I am surprised she gave this to you. It's one of her favorites."
Carly smiled wistfully at the necklace in his hands. "I am too. It means a lot to me... it's my birthstone as well. So it's fitting."
Sheldon tilted his head, eyeing the ruby. "Is it your favorite stone?"
Carly nodded. "Yes, but I also enjoy pearls. I suppose I don't have a favorite."
Sheldon smirked suddenly, remembering something. "Favorites are overrated."
Carly grinned at him, remembering a conversation another time ago, as well. "Exactly."
Sheldon ordered room service for them when they got back to their hotel room, both needing snacks to get them through the night. They watched a movie, enjoying each other's time and when it got late, they dressed for bed and got under the blankets.
Carly cuddled up on her side, watching him get comfortable on his back. She bit her lip, remembering that morning when he'd cuddled up to her. She wanted it again but was too nervous that he'd reject her.
She squashed down her nerves and figured she could ask. If he didn't want to, then maybe they'd need to build that pillow fort after all. However, a small part of her thought he'd welcome the suggestion. He'd seemed to enjoy it this morning, just as much as she had.
"Sheldon?" She asked into the darkened room and watched as he turned his head to face her.
"Yes?"
Carly gulped and fiddled with the blanket in front of her face. "Do you, I mean... would you like to, that is to say, um-" she broke off her embarrassing stammer and closed her eyes briefly before steeling herself for whatever reaction he'd have. "Would you like to cuddle?"
Sheldon had been patiently listening to her stutter, wondering what on earth she could be nervous about when she'd asked. His heart skipped at the question and he stared at her, his mouth parting slightly as his defenses rose.
Moments prior he'd been thinking back to that morning, waking up with her against him, warm and inviting. It had been wonderful.
Sheldon swallowed anxiously and tried to make himself relax. It was just cuddling. It wasn't like she'd asked to have her way with him. His heart jumped at the thought.
"That sounds... nice," he forced out, his voice cracking, embarrassingly enough.
Carly's eyes widened at his affirmation and it took a moment for her process that he had indeed welcomed her advances. Composing herself, she slid over to him, instantly feeling him tense when she brushed his arm. As she nestled herself into his side, he lifted an arm and let her press herself against him, resting her cheek along his chest where his heart was and her hand by her face. Once settled, he dropped his arm to wrap around her, feeling that same warmth that she gave him that morning.
Her scent, her body, her warmth... it was amazing.
Sheldon relaxed ever so slowly, feeling her breathing against him and relishing in her proximity.
"Mmm, this is nice," she breathed against him and he glanced down at her head, finding her face peaceful and smiling with her eyes closed.
He smiled, finding her endearing. "It isn't repellent by any means," he relented and she laughed slightly against him, the sound sending little tingles down his body. He breathed her in, closing his eyes.
Her hand on his chest caressed him softly, and he popped his eyes open. He looked back down at her, seeing that she was staring into middle distance with a thoughtful look on her face. It stirred him. Was she upset? Happy? He wasn't sure...
"Everything all right?" He wondered lowly, his curiosity taking the better of him.
Carly felt the vibration of his voice as she heard it. Nonetheless, it surprised her that he'd noticed her change of mood. "Oh, I was just thinking..."
Sheldon waited for her to elaborate but when she didn't, he grew impatient. "Thinking about what?"
Carly sighed against him and then lifted her head, giving him a look of what he perceived as anxiety. "About your roommate agreement with Leonard."
Sheldon frowned in confusion. Why on earth was she thinking about that? "What about it?"
Carly faltered at his confusion and she bit her lip nervously, making his eyes fall to it absently in interest. She released the plump lip after a moment. "Well, it helps you right? It creates a sense of security, while laying out what's expected of both parties, and such. Would you... I, well, I was thinking would it make you feel better if we had an agreement for... our relationship?"
Sheldon's eyes widened at the words, that never in his wildest dreams had he expected to hear from her. He'd briefly mentioned they would benefit from it at the beginning of their relationship but she'd rejected the idea immediately. Now that they were getting closer, he could see how it would help them both feel more secure in the relationship...
"What are you saying?" He asked, searching her eyes for answers. "That you want a relationship agreement with me?"
Carly blushed under his gaze and it made his heart skip at the sight. Her bashful nature made him love her even more. "Well," she began, timidly staring at her hand upon his chest. "I am afraid you'll leave again all of a sudden, and I'm unsure of what will make you upset. Intimate, wise. And... I know you're afraid to get closer to me because of similar fears," she explained and then looked up at his stunned face. He was shocked she knew exactly how he had felt. "If we wrote out what was acceptable, what was okay and what wasn't, and a seventy-two-hour warning if one of us decided to bail... I think it would help us feel less insecure about what we're doing."
Sheldon was speechless. Not only because of what she was proposing but because suddenly it had become clear. A relationship agreement could potentially make him feel more secure with her. A legal document stating she couldn't leave him without notice was very tempting indeed. That and he did love to write up documents.
"Do you think it's unnecessary?" She asked him, worrying her lip again and he couldn't help but smile at her, his eyes lighting up at the idea.
"Not at all. I agree that you and I both could benefit from it. Are you sure you want to do this?" His heart raced excitedly in his chest at the idea. She'd be legally bound to him. The idea aroused him more than he was willing to admit.
Carly relaxed and gave him a pretty smile. "Yes. I just want us to feel safe and secure. I know it's not, conventional or anything, but I do think that this would be a good start to strengthening our relationship after everything that's happened."
Sheldon couldn't have agreed more. He suddenly remembered it was Christmas and he had a rush of emotion run through him. It was like waking up on Christmas morning as a child all over again.
"Then it's a deal," he told her, feeling giddy. "As soon as we get back home, I'll write it up for us. After work on Monday, let's meet up and we can go over it."
Carly brightened. "Sounds perfect. Thank you."
Sheldon didn't know what else could have possessed him, but with the excitement running through him and the loving way her eyes beheld him, he didn't hesitate. He took her face with one hand, holding her around the middle with his other, and pulled her to him. He leaned his head up, watching her eyes widen and then close dreamily as he took her waiting lips with his.
They hadn't kissed since they'd traveled to Texas and he couldn't help but lose himself in it. In her.
His fingers threaded in her hair as she kissed him back, sending him into a mindful of nothingness. Nothing but her. The kiss became heated as she tilted her head, opening her mouth to lick at his bottom lip. He released a held-back groan at the feeling and met her, opening his own mouth to relish in the way she provoked such feelings inside of him.
He held her tightly, never intending to let her go. This was too much.
Sheldon moved with effort, rolling them so he was on top of her, holding himself up with a hand as his other held her securely by the hair, still kissing her senseless even when she gasped at the movement.
In the back of his mind, he knew what he was doing. They were in a bed, under covers in the dark, with him atop her and pressing his long body against her lithe one. Feeling every curve of her body mold against his.
It was horrendously naughty but he wasn't going to stop. Not yet.
Her hands found his neck, shoulders, back, touching anything she could as she kissed him thoroughly, knocking his metaphorical socks off.
His hand from her hair fell to her shoulder, gracing her arm and down to her hip, holding her securely to him. She lifted slightly at his touch, sending her center up to his in the throes of passion.
Needing to breathe, he released her, just for a second before kissing down her jaw and to her neck, taking skin into his open mouth and sucking, nipping, making her pant and sigh into the darkness- making him crazy and so incredibly turned on.
His hand ran down her leg, and grabbed it, hitching it around his hip and holding her thigh. She gasped, her leg wrapping around him as he found way too many layers in between them as their centers collided.
He groaned lightly against her skin, trailing down to where her plush breasts met the material of her shirt. He was gone, wasn't he? What he held back daily was loosening, fraying at the ends, and would soon release. When it did, what would become of him? He was both terrified and anxious for it.
He used his jaw to slide her shirt lower, finding her nipple easily and pulling it into his mouth. The delicious moan he received when he did so, called to him. His hand on her thigh tightened and he rocked his hips into her, his growing need prodding where it wanted most. His mind refused it. But his body needed it.
Her hands met his hair, threading through the strands as she arched her chest upwards to him, urging him on as he rolled his tongue over her nipple, lavishing it. He pulled back only for a second to take the other, not wanting to leave it out with his knack for needing closure.
He trailed his nose along her soft flesh, smelling vanilla and pheromones, making him lightheaded.
"God you smell so good," he whispered to himself aloud, rising and taking her parted mouth with his own. He released her leg just to take her breast in his hand, his fingers doing what his mouth had been doing previously.
Carly whimpered into the kiss while wrapping both legs around his hips with need and sending him into a frenzy of heat. His body felt like it would burst into flames. How was he supposed to stop this?
But he needed to. If he didn't, they'd do things they weren't ready for. That he wasn't ready for. His body disagreed with him, rocking again into her to feel the relief that only she could give.
He pulled away from her mouth with force, resting his face into her hair, his breathing harsh and heavy against her skin. His hand stilled on her breast, the hardened nipple poking his palm teasingly.
Carly's pants came out quickly as she heaved against him, trying to control her breathing as he attempted to calm himself.
"Sorry I... I lost control," he breathed into her shoulder, his eyes tightly shut and willing himself to calm down.
She loosened her legs upon his hips and slid them back down to the bed, the lack of pressure on his hips making him feel guilty. He knew she wanted him. This just wasn't the time.
He needed to make that agreement, and fast. Even if it took him all night.
He reluctantly rolled off of her, throwing his arm over his eyes to hide his need for her while trying to control his breathing and the obvious erection he had under the thick blankets.
Carly didn't move from where she was, worried that if she got closer to him that he'd reject her advances at the moment. He was obviously struggling with himself. But good lord... he was amazing. He set fire through her bones, knowing just what to do to make her absolutely insane.
When they finally did sleep together, she didn't think she'd survive. She'd probably combust.
She turned her head to look at him, his arm over his eyes and his mouth parted to breathe heavily. She bit her lip. "Are you all right?" She whispered to him.
He licked his lips before answering. "Yes, I'm fine just... give me a minute. My baser desires are causing my prefrontal cortex to malfunction."
Carly stifled a smile at his scientific garb and adjusted her shirt, covering her breasts once more. Her nipples felt swollen from his tugging and sucking, reminding her of just what he'd done.
Perhaps the flash lingerie would come in handy sooner than she'd thought. Maybe the relationship agreement would help her out.
He finally removed his arm and glanced over at her, finding her staring at the ceiling in thought. He frowned. "Are you okay?"
Carly blinked and turned to him, still flushed from their heavy make-out session. "I will be. I'm just... my body's still excited."
Sheldon knew exactly how she felt. As her boyfriend, it was his job to make sure she was all right at all times if it was in his control. He felt a pang of guilt in the pit of his stomach. "I'm sorry. Every time I think I'm ready for more, I... panic."
Carly shook her head, trying to reassure him like she always did. "Don't be. It's all right."
Sheldon felt even more miserable with himself. She was always so patient with him, even though she struggled herself. He was so incredibly selfish.
Turning on his side, he tried to make things better in his own way. He threw an arm out and grabbed her, sliding her over to him.
She gasped lightly and stared up at him through wide eyes. Sheldon smiled shyly down at her, trying to be as brave as he wanted to be. "We're supposed to cuddle, right?"
Carly continued to stare at him, surprised by his actions and words. Who was this man? "Y-Yes," she breathed and he squeezed her gently to him.
"Then turn over. Let's cuddle."
Carly swallowed thickly and turned on her side away from him. She was shocked further when he pulled her flush up against his body, reminding her of how they'd woken up that morning. He nuzzled his face up against her neck, moving the hair with his nose so he could breathe her skin in.
Carly closed her eyes, trying not to allow the tension that she felt towards him to breakthrough. This was enough right now, she thought. He was snuggling her. He was enjoying her. She didn't need sex right now.
This was enough.
"Goodnight, Carly."
Carly smiled, holding his hand over her and nestling herself against him. His breathing quickened but he didn't say anything.
"Goodnight, Sheldon," she whispered, finally feeling what he felt for her.
Thank you for reading, favoriting, and following. I appreciate it :) I am going to be posting the rest of the story next week so make sure to follow if you haven't already to get updates. Eight more chapters to go.
Also, as we venture off into the last part of this story- please keep in mind that it will REALLY earn its M rating. I just wanted to warn you. Things are about to get steamy.