Sheldon sat in Pennys car quietly.

"Did you and Amy have a nice evening? Asked Penny, looking at Sheldon.

"Yes thank you"

"Did you spend all evening gloating about the bowling?" Penny grinned this time, she could imagine Sheldon talking of nothing else and driving Amy demented.

"No, we didn't"

"What did you do then?"

"Err..."

"Oh!" laughed Penny, seeing Sheldon blush scarlet. "As long as you had fun!"

Sniggering Penny preceded Sheldon up the stairs.. "Night Sheldon" she said letting herself into 4B.

73~73

It took Sheldon a while to get to sleep that night. He kept thinking about Amy and how she had felt against his fingers. He hoped she hadn't pulled back because he had done something wrong. She had said it was because the feeling had been intense and Sheldon could understand that.

In fact he was amazed at how very quickly they had moved from a few kisses to this. The feelings now coursing through his body on a daily basis were so new it was frightening sometimes. He was glad it was Friday tomorrow. He could play vintage video games with his friends and just relax.

Sheldon didn't really talk to Leonard over breakfast the next morning. He could hear him twittering on and words such as 'bowling', 'Penny' and 'irrational' registered, but Sheldon was tired from lack of sleep and really just not interested in Leonard's latest drama. Leonard slammed the apartment door as they left making Sheldon jump and as they walked down the stairs he muttered "I guess your night didn't go too well" Leonard ignored him.

Once in his office Sheldon locked the door and luxuriated in the peace. He was writing on his white board when his phone rang. It was Dr Gablehauser's secretary asking Sheldon if he would be able to represent the university at a series of lectures at Harvard University. Sheldon hated giving talks. He did everything in his power to avoid them. Unable to think of a reason of the top of his head why he could not go he asked for a copy of the itinerary. After ending the call Sheldon sat trying to think of a way to get out of going.

73~73

Amy phoned in sick on Friday morning. She was not really sick but she was in shock. Her mind kept replaying last nights events over and over. She decided she had been a fool to stop Sheldon when she had. It had felt so amazingly good on the one hand; but so very intense she couldn't handle it. She decided to see if Penny was home and maybe ask her for some advise.

Seeing as it was still only 7 am she decided to text as it was a little early for penny!

"Hey bestie. Are you working today. Could do with some advise?"

Amy set her phone down and went to make some coffee. She switched on the TV and curled up on the sofa. She was not watching really just letting the noise of whatever was on wash over her as she tried to calm her nerves.

"Hi Amy, not working today at all. You want me to come to you. Up early here as my idiot neighbours woke me up banging their door at stupid o'clock!"

grinning at the thought of an irate penny Amy sent back

"Have coffee made already. See you soon"

While waiting for Penny to arrive she received a text from Sheldon

"Good morning Amy. I have just called your lab and they inform me you are unwell. I hope it is nothing infectious! I have a problem I had hoped to seek you advise on. Please could you call me when you feel well enough. S"

Amy replied quickly

"Hi Sheldon - not ill just lack of sleep last night. Lot on mind. Penny is coming to visit me this morning can I call you later or is it urgent?"

"Later is fine. x"

Amy put her phone down and sipped her coffee. She was having enough trouble dealing with her own feelings right now she couldn't cope with Sheldon's too. Hopefully Penny would help.

Penny arrived with a bag of doughnuts and a huge smile. "Morning Ames!"

"You seem very bright for this time in the morning." Amy commented.

"I know right! I was so mad at Leonard last night and then this morning when he woke me up, but the thought of spending a day somewhere other than The Cheesecake Factory cheered me up. So what's the big problem. I am guessing bat crap crazy boyfriend!"

"Try made it to 2nd base boyfriend, and freaked out girlfriend!"

"Wow Amy! So you finally got him to touch you! Go girlfriend!" Penny laughed and Amy blushed.

"He was so sweet Penny, and gentle, and caring and I freaked! Not a Sheldon type freak but when he touched me it just seemed too much. I couldn't handle it. Then he got all apologetic and left."

"Oh Amy! 2Nd base is a big thing for a girl. Your first time is always intense. Listen I know you guys are taking things slow and stuff but Sheldon is a good guy, weird granted, but a good guy. He would never do anything you didn't want him too."

"I know. He was worried he had done something wrong I think. I told him it was just a bit intense but know I regret stopping."

"So we know Sheldon can press your buttons but did you return the favour?"

"Not really. That was something else I wanted to ask you. Is it the same when a girl touches a boy like that? Would he feel the same?"

"Well I don't think it's quite as intense to be honest, but it is not something our little Shelly should miss out on that's for sure! And if you guys are taking things slow you don't want to scare him off to quick going for the main prize." Penny winked.

Amy frowned "err... Penny I know I am naive but ... the main prize?"

"You know … down there!" Penny nodded below Amy s waist

"Oh Penny we have only agreed to 2nd base!"

"OK..." Penny said slowly. "What do you consider 2nd base? You are not following Bernadette 600 base rules are you?"

"I thought 2nd base was above the waist and over clothes."

"Well I guess it could be, but you will definitely need more than 4 bases to 'go all the way' at that rate. Not that there is anything wrong with that Amy. You and Sheldon just need to check you are on the same page with this."

Amy nodded "I guess we do. He text me earlier; wants to chat. I kind of put him off because I just feel a bit unsettled. Maybe I should offer to cook for him tonight."

"Yeah get the spaghetti and hot dogs on and he will be fine." grinned Penny

The girls spent the rest of the day catching up on TV programmes the guys had banned them from watching together. After a 'Sex and the City' marathon, Penny introducing Amy to 'Americas Next Top Model' then they decided to meet Bernadette for lunch then go shopping.

73~73

It was whilst in the changing rooms trying on a new skirt that Sheldon text Amy again

"Are you still with Penny. I wondered if I could call you?"

Amy frowned. Sheldon sounded desperate so she checked the changing room door was shut over and hit dial.

"Hey Sheldon what's up?"

"Amy Gablehauser wants me to go lecture at Harvard. I don't want to go!"

"Wow! Sheldon that's quite an honour."

"Yes yes forget about the honour and privilege, I had all that from him.. it wont be an honour if I pass out on stage or worse get drunk and drop my trousers. Amy how can I get out of it?"

"When is it?"

"I don't know. I didn't ask."

"Well why don't you get all the details together and come to mine tonight. I will cook and we will come up with a plan."

"Oh Amy I can't. It is vintage video game night."

Shaking her head Amy said "Very well tomorrow then."

"OK thank you Amy. Where are you now? Still with Penny?"

"Actually Penny and Bernadette. We are clothes shopping. I am hiding in a changing room chatting to you."

"oh... er... you are fully clothed I hope!"

"Nearly!" grinned Amy looking down at her bare legs.

"Well I'll let you go then!" said Sheldon quickly "see you tomorrow" and with that he was gone.

Amy chuckled to herself. She had a feeling it may take a while to get past 2nd base!

73~73

Sheldon printed off the email from Gablehauser.

3 days! He was expected to give lectures over 3 days.

Sheldon could feel his blood pressure rising just reading the words. Maybe he could catch something infectious! Or … or... no he could not think of any reasonable sounding excuses that would account for 3 whole days. He just hoped Amy could come up with something.

Harvard wasn't exactly round the corner either. He would have to fly to the other side of the country.

Pulling a brown paper bag out of his desk draw Sheldon breathed into it deeply, trying to calm himself down. This was how Raj, Leonard and Howard found him.

"What's up Sheldon?" Howard asked concerned. Sheldon just handed over the email.

"Wow congratulations! That's a big honour. Why do you not look happy?"

"Because its for 3 days, and across the other side of the country! 3 days of having to give lectures. 3 days!"

"OK OK calm down. Come have some lunch and forget about it for now. This says its not for another 2 weeks so its not like you have to go home and pack now."

Groaning Sheldon buried his head into his arms and said "I don't want to go at all."

73~73

Vintage video game night helped Sheldon think of something else for a while. He loved Friday nights and it was Chinese night too so he was content. Plus no work tomorrow so no more nasty surprises. Gablehauser had said he needed Sheldon's decision by Monday at the latest, but tonight Sheldon refused to think about aeroplanes or lecture halls. Tonight he was eating Chinese and playing games with his friends.

He knew Amy was still with the girls as she had sent him a picture of the three of them all dressed up drinking some sort of cocktail in a bar. The message had just read "just like SatC" he wasn't sure what that meant and figured he was probably better off out knowing!

He received another picture a few hours later this time of the girls dancing. Amy was waving at whoever had taken the picture. Sheldon shook his head and put his phone away. Penny really was leading her astray!

That night when the boys had gone Sheldon lay on his bed staring at the ceiling. He knew that intellectually these lectures would not present a challenge. It would give him a chance to assess where Harvard were in their research too. Rationally he knew he was the best man for the job; but he also was willing to admit rationality didn't come in to it when planes and lecture halls where concerned.

73~73

Arriving at Amy's the next afternoon Sheldon was surprised to smell spaghetti cooking.

"Hi Sheldon." greeted Amy, letting him in.

"Are we eating early?" asked Sheldon.

"Well I thought you would want to be home by 8.15 for your laundry, so I thought we could eat now then formulate a plan for you problem."

"Thank you Amy that is most considerate. Actually I have left a list of instructions for Penny should I not be home in time; but I am not sure I trust her entirely not to dump all my clothes into one machine like she does her own."

Amy grinned, "She is free spirit I grant you that!"

"Did you have a fun day yesterday? The photos would certainly indicate you did!"

"Yes it was a lovely day. Just what I needed. Penny is a good friend."

The couple sat down to eat and soon Sheldon was telling Amy about the series of lectures being given in Harvard

"So it sounds to me like you would be the guest lecturer and it is a subject close to your heart. Assuming you did not have to fly, and assuming you did not have a fear of lecture halls full of people I assume you would jump at the chance?"

"Of course I would. But I cant ignore the plane journey, or the hall full of people ready to trample me!"

"How about, and you can say no if you want too, how about we all come with you. Penny and Leonard; Raj and Lucy; Bernadette and Howard. We sit in the front row. You can pretend its just us you are talking too. I am sure then it wouldn't be so bad."

Sheldon looked at Amy. "I don't know. Why would the others agree to that?"

"Sheldon they are your friends! I am sure they would go if they knew it would help. Maybe we could stay over in Boston for a few nights after. Make a break of it. It could be fun."

"Maybe" said Sheldon. He did like the idea of the front row being filled with friendly faces. Amy had pulled out her phone and fired of a few text messages. Distracted Sheldon said, "What about the flight?"

"Well you will have us with you. Maybe counter-factuals will help and I am sure it wont be that bad."

"I'll think about it." Sheldon agreed. "Can we talk about something else for a while. This just makes me stressed."

"Well, I don't know if this will help your stress levels, it certainly didn't mine, but I was talking to Penny yesterday and she informed me that 2nd base included below the waist too! Did you know that?"

Sheldon blushed red and looked at his empty plate.

"You did! How did you know?"

"I must have looked at a different web site to you when doing my research."

"No wonder you were stressed." grinned Amy. Sheldon smiled too at this.

"Well I guess there is no rush. I couldn't cope with last night so goodness knows how I would feel if..."

Amy stopped suddenly thinking about what she had actually been about to suggest Sheldon do to her. Glancing up she could tell by Sheldon's scarlet face he was thinking the same thing!

Jumping up Amy moved to get them both a drink. She poured Sheldon a vodka and lemonade and decided to try one herself. She also placed a chocolate pudding in front of Sheldon and grinned when she saw his face light up . "oh yummy" he said attacking it with a spoon.

Having eaten Amy cleared the table and went and sat with Sheldon on the sofa. She had music playing in the background and sitting down she opened her lap top and pulled up flight times to Boston.

"Do we have too?" Sheldon whined.

"Yes! Come on get it organised now then you can forget about it." Amy had not told Sheldon but she had received texts back from all their friends saying they would love a week in Boston. Penny had grumbled about the lectures but Amy knew she would be there, front and centre, to support Sheldon. They were good friends.

Amy watched over Sheldon as he emailed Gablehauser to confirm he would go. She also told him to say it was conditional on the front row being reserved and that Caltech had to pick up the tab for 8 plane tickets. Sheldon thought this would be refused outright and was surprised when within 5 minutes Gablehauser had not only agreed to this, but suggested that Sheldon and his party be put up in a nice hotel rather than university accommodation and Caltech would cover the cost.

Amy grinned. "See they do appreciate you!"

Nodding Sheldon realised he had no excuses now. Finishing her drink Amy stood up.

"Where are you going?" Sheldon asked

"Its 7.30 I thought you might want to get home for your laundry. This took longer than I had expected."

"Will you come stay with me while I do the washing then. I have made your Saturday afternoon all about my work."

"OK how about we do your laundry then watch Americas next top model?"

"Err no! I am not Raj! Or Howard for that matter. How about we do the laundry then gather my notes for the lectures."

"Boring! How about we let Penny do your laundry and stay here and make out!" Amy grinned.

Sheldon frowned, then nodded. "Deal!" Laughing Amy pecked his cheek then moved to get them both another drink.

"Sheldon is it OK if we stay above the waist for a while." Amy asked shyly.

Nodding quickly Sheldon agreed. "Yes that is most agreeable."

Relieved Amy sat close to Sheldon and wrapped her arms around his waist. She lay with her head on his chest.

"I thought we were making out?" said Sheldon confused.

"I know I just wanted a hug." Amy smiled.

Sheldon wrapped his long arms around Amy and said "I remember the first time we did this. I was so scared!"

"That seems a long time ago now."

"Yes it does." Sheldon shifted slightly and used his hand to tilt Amy's head towards his, then bending slightly, kissed her.

As she was half laying across Sheldon, Amy twisted slightly so she was almost on her back across Sheldon's chest and lap. She felt quite vulnerable looking up at Sheldon; but knew Penny had been right when she had said yesterday that Sheldon was a good man and she could trust him.

Sheldon had his eyes closed and therefore was surprised when he felt Amy's hand move from behind his head down his neck to his chest. He deepened the kiss and pulled her closer but Amy's hands didn't stop moving and she could feel Sheldon's heart thumping under her palm. Moving slightly she felt his nipple and gentle scraped her nail across it. Sheldon gasped and opened his eyes. Gazing down at her he lifted his head. She did it again and this time he closed his eyes and groaned.

"You like that?" Amy asked genuinely curious.

Sheldon nodded. Amy moved her hand and did the same to his other nipple this time pinching gently. Sheldon pulled Amy up higher into his arms and kissed her passionately her hand trapped between them. They stayed kissing like this for quite a while before Amy pulled away gasping.

"Wow"

Sheldon just nodded. Amy slowly sat up and straightened her hair that had become very tousled. As she glanced across at Sheldon shyly she could see he was discretely trying to rearrange himself so his erection was not so prominent.

Amy closed her eyes briefly and took a large gulp of her vodka.

Sheldon turned to Amy and smiled sheepishly.

"You are a vixen Amy Farrah fowler!"

Amy grinned.

Sitting up, but facing Sheldon this time, Amy lent in to kiss him again. It wasn't long before she felt Sheldon's long fingers trace her breast. Squeezing her eyes tight Amy tried to remain still. She wanted to push herself into Sheldon's hand but she also wanted to run too. Sheldon slowly moved his hand as if memorising the shape of her. As he had last time he moved to hold her breast holding its weight before flicking his thumb over her nipple. She gasped but this time just buried her face in Sheldon's neck. He did it again and felt it tighten. He moved to the other breast and this time watched his own hand stroke her. Amy was squirming in her seat now and tracing little kisses up and down Sheldon neck.

"Sheldon I think we should stop." she mumbled. Still holding her in his hand Sheldon moved back a little, forcing Amy to look at him.

Both were panting slightly and very red in the face. Amy looked down at Sheldon's hand. His gaze followed hers. Reluctantly he moved.

"I hadn't realised you would feel like that." he said shyly. "You are so soft. You fit my hand so perfectly."

Amy blushed even more.

"I had better go." said Sheldon reluctantly. "Penny has probably ruined all my clothes by now anyway. Thank you for today Amy. I know if it wasn't for you I would have turned down the lectures. So thank you for talking some sense into me."

"Hey I get a free trip to Boston! I am looking forward to it Sheldon!"