Penny looked at herself in the mirror. She was frustrated. And lonely. Why the hell couldn't she find someone who was honest, reliable, appealing and got her? She wasn't looking for a super model, or a rich heiress. She just wanted someone who she could be happy with. Someone who cuddled on the couch, that she could talk to, who made her feel wanted and cared for. An image of Sheldon fluttered through her mind and Penny closed her eyes. Yeah, Vegas had been a stunningly bad idea.

Okay, this was not good. She wasn't supposed to do this! Not about her best friend! That was sacred! Okay, so he was handsome and sweet when he wanted to be. And sexy smart. But he was off limits! He didn't date. He didn't even notice women. And don't forget, she told herself, he's my BEST FRIEND! I really need to spend less time with him until I can get this under control.

She sighed and applied lip gloss. She also really needed to get laid.

Penny slipped her heels on and stood just as she heard his knock. She grinned, despite her earlier mental conversation. Penny opened the door and froze.

Sheldon smiled smugly at her expression. He put his thumbs in the front pockets of his worn jeans and cocked one hip to the side. Penny's eyes traveled down his black Flash shirt (minus undershirt), to the snug jeans he hadn't worn in years. His pulse thudded as her skin took on a slight flushed tone.

"Hello, Penny. I have a request."

Penny looked up at him and blinked several times. "What?"

He suppressed a wide smile and leaned against her door jamb. "A request. I need your assistance."

She frowned and determinedly shoved her libido down into a small, intense ball of need. "What can I do, sweetie?"

Sheldon strove for a calm look. "May I come in? It's a private matter."

Penny stepped back and Sheldon moved into the apartment. Penny shut the door and jumped when Sheldon reached around her and locked it. She spun around and found Sheldon only a couple of inches away.

"Sh..Sheldon?"

He reached up and caressed her cheek with the knuckles of his right hand. "Penny, it has come to my attention that I am attracted to you. I know you have been single for a long time now. Sixteen months and eight days, actually. I also have seen signs that you are ready to seriously date again. I know you care about me. If nothing else, Las Vegas proved that. I came over here tonight hoping to talk you into giving me a chance. I was going to suggest a movie, or dinner. But now, seeing you in that little dress, the way your skin flushed when you looked at me… Penny I'm having a very hard time controlling my baser urges."

He watched her eyes darken and her lips parted as she sucked in a harsh breath. He groaned and pressed his forehead to hers. "Dammit, Penny. When you look like that, I want to kiss you senseless."

Penny watched him close his eyes tight against the onslaught of emotions. Slowly she reached up and slid her fingers along his nape, Sheldon trembled under her touch and she tilted her head up. She pressed her lips to his and she closed the miniscule distance between them. Sheldon's grabbed her up against him and kissed her fiercely.

Penny traced the muscles in Sheldon's forearm and it tightened around her. He pulled her back against him sleepily and nuzzled her neck. She smiled softly, and pulled the blankets up over them more. She was a bit sore, their lovemaking frantic and not very coordinated. She smiled as she recalled how Sheldon had tried to keep a tight grip on his control, but in the end, his body had pounded into hers roughly. She had to admit, the sight of her reserved, rigidly controlled friend letting go of himself and giving in to passion had been a huge turn on. And despite her strong independent personality, the look of ownership, of possession, he had given her was thrilling. As is nothing and no one mattered except her. Slowly she drifted off to sleep, feeling warm and secure in his arms.

Sunlight filtered through the living room as he watched her sleep. He was amused to find she snored lightly. Somehow, that little imperfection made him happy. Her hair was tangled over his fingers, and her bottom was snug against his morning hardness. Last night had exceeded all his hopes and expectations. She was warm, and giving, and had felt so right in his arms.

He craned his neck and placed a kiss between her shoulder blades, like he had wanted to do weeks ago. Penny squirmed and pouted in her sleep. He grinned and did it a second time. Once more she squirmed against him, only this time a hand came up to limply slap at her shoulder. Sheldon's playful side came out and he reached up to skim her flesh lightly with his fingertips. Penny tried to roll away from him and he moved with her, pinning her hips between his knees. He sensed Penny beginning to wake, so he bent over her form and licked a trail up her spine. Penny wiggled fiercely. "Sheldon! Stop it!" she gasped. "No! I'm ticklish!"

He grinned sinfully and bent to whisper in her ear. "I know."

Penny made a valiant effort to buck him off which elicited a moan from Sheldon. Penny grinned as she slowly arched a second time, her bottom rubbing against him intimately. Sheldon braced his upper body on his arms and shuddered. The minx was trying to distract him! Sheldon leaned down and bit lightly at her neck. She was succeeding.