Sheldon continues to push at Penny's boundaries, working hard to overcome the damage done by her previous relationships. Penny is starting to relax, and respond to his attempts to woo her.

Penny moved into the living room and set the tea tray on the coffee table. Mary and Mrs. Caldwell were discussing the upcoming VBS at the church. Missy was trying her best to not be too obvious as she flirted with the new youth minister. Mrs. Hill, Deacon Grant and Meemaw were discussing gardening. Penny hid a smile when she saw Reverend Hill and Sheldon near the kitchen. Both wore pained expressions. She headed over that way, a cup of tea in each hand.

"Hello, Reverend Hill. If I remember correctly, you like Earl Grey with lemon, correct?" she asked with a conciliatory smile.

He nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Yes. Thank you, Penny."

She handed the other to Sheldon and gave him a smile. "I hope you will pardon me for stealing Sheldon away, sir. I need his help in the kitchen."

Rev. Hill shook his head immediately. "Oh, no. I don't mind at all."

Penny headed to the kitchen, Sheldon following behind. She closed the door behind them and took a seat at the table. She began slicing strawberries for the shortcake she was baking. Sheldon sat down beside her curiously.

"What kind of assistance do you require?" he asked, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

Penny shook her head. "I lied. You and Rev. Hill both looked like you were sucking on lemons, so I thought it best to put some space between you."

Sheldon quirked an eyebrow at her. "You lied to a religious man?"

Penny shrugged. "If there is a hell, that sin is least on the list of reasons to send me there."

Sheldon watched her silently for a moment. "Penny, do you believe there is a hell? I know you have often expressed a belief in astrology."

Penny paused her actions. "I don't know, Sheldon. I liked the idea that my life had a course already planned out when I was younger. I've never really given much thought to a deity. I can't really claim a belief in one. I can't really claim a belief in astrology either, anymore." Penny tilted her head and looked at him. "I think we are all accountable for our own actions, our own decisions. But we have a responsibility to those around us, also. Because what we do affects others. I don't know if karma, fate or kismet is real. But I do believe that it is beneficial on whole to keep in mind the welfare of others when we make our choices. If for no other reason than simple courtesy. "

She sliced the last strawberry and stood to wash her hands. Sheldon grabbed her wrist and licked the juice from her thumb. He placed a kiss on her wrist and smiled as she blushed. "And you said you weren't smart," he chided.

Sheldon was working on his laptop when he saw Penny move past the window. He stood and looked out the window. Penny was wearing denim cut-offs and a bikini top. She had a towel over her shoulder. She had been working in the garden, weeding for Meemaw. Where was she off to, he wondered. He shut his laptop and headed through the backdoor. His pulse sped up as he considered the possibilities.

Penny was fond of sunbathing. It was possible she was just going to tan. However, if you went through the trees and followed the little path, you would come to a small pond. As kids George and Missy use to go swimming there a lot. He had only been once. George had thrown him in and he had ended up with a cold.

He hurried to catch up to her, but she had a good head start. By the time he got to the edge of the trees, she was already peeling off her shorts. He paused to watch her, unable to speak as she slid the denim down her legs. He wiped his sweaty palms on his pants and moved forward.

Penny spun when she heard footsteps. Her eyes widened when she saw the expression on Sheldon's face. Her pulse sped up at the pure unadulterated maleness. He looked predatory. He strode right up to her and gripped her shoulders. Penny moaned as his mouth devoured hers. She parted her lips and his tongue thrust into her mouth. Her hands clutched at his shirt and she pressed her body against his.

A second later, Sheldon moaned and pulled away. He shuddered and separated them. "I'm sorry, Penny. I shouldn't have done that."

Penny stared at him with amazement. She could see the lust in his eyes. She could see the evidence of his desire straining against his plaid pants. She couldn't believe how much self control he had. She moved close to him and placed her hands on his shoulders.

"Sheldon, we don't have to stop," she said hesitantly.

He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. "Penny, do you love me?" he asked softly.

Penny bit her bottom lip. "I care about you a lot, Sheldon."

He nodded, knowing that would be her answer. "Then yes, we do have to stop. Because sex will only complicate things at this point. You deserve better than that." He gently kissed her cheek and turned away.

Penny watched him disappear through the trees. Several emotions washed through her. Desire, confusion, hope and finally, happiness. Sheldon was like no one she had ever known. To see how much effort he was putting into this burgeoning relationship made her feel special. They had shared a bed for five nights now. She liked the way he curled up behind her, one arm wrapped around her waist securely. Throughout the day he would often place a kiss on her cheek or her wrist.

And the talking! They had talked more in the past two weeks than they had in the last two years. They discussed their childhoods, school, family, friends. They had even talked politics one night. Penny slipped into the cool water and floated on her back. She was certain she was going to miss him while she was working next week. She had made him promise not to waste money on another cruise. Penny grinned. Maybe he could just stow away in her cabin.

"Hello, Sheldon," Raj said when his face filled the screen. "There is a slight problem."

Sheldon frowned. "What kind of problem? I have just reviewed both your work from last week and my own, even though that was not necessary. Our work is moving at an acceptable pace, and the equations are sound. How can there be a problem?"

Raj shook his head. "No, the work is good. Better than good, actually. That's the problem. In two weeks a delegation from CERN is going to be visiting and they want a presentation. They want to meet with both of us, Sheldon."

Sheldon could only stare. This was something he had worked for almost all his life. If they made a favorable impression with a delegation from CERN, they would have unlimited funding, and be many steps closer to a Nobel.

"Sheldon?" Raj snapped his fingers to get his attention. "Sheldon? What are we going to do?"

Sheldon swallowed twice. "I will need to think on this, Raj. Give me a day and we will skype again." Raj nodded and ended the video chat. Sheldon looked at the blank screen for several seconds.

"Are you seriously trying to decide what to do?" Penny asked from the doorway. Sheldon looked over at her with surprise. Penny smirked. She walked over to the bed and sat down beside him. "What's to think about? Isn't this huge? I may not know much, but even I know CERN is a big deal."

Sheldon ran a hand through his hair. "Penny, this could change everything. But two weeks? How can we put together a grand enough presentation in so short a time?"

Penny slid her hand into his. "Well, for one, you can't do it from here." Sheldon's hand tightened in hers. "You need to be in Pasadena, in your office. You need to go back, sweetie."