They stayed outside til well past midnight with Sheldon pointing out various constellations and Amy not really paying much attention, just lying listening to the soothing tone of his voice as she lay resting her head on his chest. The temperature dropping caused Sheldon to stir.

"We should go inside, Meemaw will be up in a few hours."

Slowly standing and gathering the blankets they crept inside and made their way to their room. Snuggling down in bed Amy smiled sleepily.

"I am so glad we came Sheldon. I love your family!"

Sheldon smiled at her words "Thank you Amy, I am glad we came too."

73~73

It was the smell of bacon that woke them the next morning. Sheldon looked at the clock and groaned. Shaking Amy's shoulders he whispered "Amy, we had better get up!"

It was past 11 and he knew his mother would be less than impressed he had missed church.

Leaving Amy to sleep a little longer Sheldon made his way downstairs. He found Mary, Missy and Meemaw all at the kitchen table.

"There you are! I figured the smell of cooking bacon would wake you!" Meemaw grinned. "You had better go wake Amy Sheldon; you don't have long before you have to leave for your flight home."

Realising Meemaw was covering up the fact he had just climbed out of Amy's bed Sheldon turned and scuttled back up the stairs.

"Amy!" He shook her firmly this time.

"Amy you have to get up! My mother is downstairs! She will come looking for you soon and discover we have shared a bed!" The note of panic in Sheldon's voice caused Amy to lift an eyebrow and stare at him.

"OK OK, just give me a minute"

"Amy we don't have a minute hurry up!"

He turned and left Amy to get dressed and returned to the kitchen. Pouring himself some tea Sheldon sat facing his sister and mother.

"Amy is on her way" he muttered.

Reaching to fill a plate of bacon and pancakes for her son Mary said "So did you have a nice evening?"

"Yes thank you momma. Although Meemaw and Amy ganged up on me a little it was most enjoyable. Amy has really enjoyed it."

"Well we have loved getting to know her too sugar. Maybe next time we can all come visit you in LA. Meemaw hasn't seen your home and I know Missy got on well with your friends. We could have a little vacation."

Sheldon nodded absently as he ate. He only looked up from his plate as Amy entered the kitchen. She was dressed but still looked sleepy.

"Good morning everyone, I am sorry I am late, I hadn't realised the time!"

"You sit yourself down and I will get you some coffee" Missy grinned.

"Amy, momma was just saying we might come pay y'all a visit soon." Missy grinned.

"That would be lovely!" Amy said with genuine pleasure. "Just let us know when you want to come and I will see if I can get some time off work to show you around." Looking at Missy she grinned "We could have a girls night, Penny would love it and you could meet Bernie and Lucy!"

Finishing their breakfast Amy and Sheldon went to finish their packing and returned to say their goodbyes. Missy was taking them to the airport so Sheldon hugged his mother and Meemaw.

"Thank you for having us." he grinned

"Yes thank you" Amy repeated, hugging both women tightly. "Please do come visit!"

Waving Amy and Sheldon sat holding hands in the back of the pick-up as Missy raced back down the drive.

73~73

It was late Sunday afternoon that they arrived back at Amy's. They had decided to go there rather than Los Robles. As Sheldon phoned for pizza Amy began sorting their clothes for washing. She had enjoyed the weekend so much she didnt want to go to work the next day.

"I am sad the weekend is over" she said turning to add some more washing.

"It was fun wasn't it" Sheldon agreed. "I really hadn't expected it too be."

"Why?"

"Because normally when I go home my mother spends her time persuading me science is a sin and I should be in church repenting. This weekend she barely barely mentioned church or science. It was nice! You are obviously the distraction she needed"

Amy grinned "Glad to be of service!"

Sheldon came up behind her and watched as she added detergent.

"It is refreshing to know my washing is safe with you," Sheldon commented. "with Penny I have to watch her every move or my clothes would all end up pink and smelling of lavender!"

Grinning Amy turned and wrapped her arms round his waist. "So how long till the dinner arrives?"

"About 15 minutes" Sheldon said checking his watch.

Amy grinned and said "good" before leaning up to kiss Sheldon.

Smiling into her kiss Sheldon pulled her close. "I believe we have some unfinished business from last night."

Giggling Amy said "hhmmm let me think" before gasping as she felt Sheldon lift her on to the counter and slip his hands under her skirt.

"Sheldon!"

He laughed at her shock. Pulling her forward so he was between her lags that were now either side of his waist he began to kiss down her neck.

"I believe I still owe you a hickey!" he grinned.

"Sheldon you can't; I have work tomorrow!"

"And I didn't? He question raising an eyebrow at her. Pulling back to look at her sat before him he started to undo the button on her blouse.

"Really Sheldon? Here? In the kitchen? I thought in was unsanitary!"

"In certain situations maybe, but right now my need to finish a job is greater."

Grinning Amy watched his fingers as they pushed her blouse off her shoulders and traced the lace on her pale blue bra.

"Oh I like this bra" Sheldon grinned. "but have you not missed the matching panties?

"What do you mean? I have the matching panties. In fact I have them on!"

Sheldon raised his eyebrow "really? Then I wonder who the pair I have in my room belong too?"

"You have a pair of my panties?" Amy half laughed at this revelation "Why, when and how?" she grinned.

"From when you left to go to London, if you remember I took your weekend clothes and you kept your night gown. When I got home I washed and returned your clothes to your apartment with the exception of those panties. I have fond memories of them!"

"Well well Dr Cooper, who knew!" Amy laughed "maybe when I next stay at yours I will model them for you!"

"Mmm, I will look forward to it." Sheldon mumbled as his lowered his head to gently kiss the breast he had just freed. Sucking her nipple into his mouth Sheldon let his finger trace the lacy panties under her skirt. He moved his mouth higher kissing along the slope of her breast to her collar bone. His fingers slipped under the lace panties and he traced her folds slipping one finger into her as she gasped and thrust her hips forward. She had one hand on the counter and the other on the back of his head which was buried in the crook of her neck now as he alternated between kissing, sucking and whispering how she felt in her ear.

Just as she felt the pressure of her orgasm build the buzzer went to tell them their pizza was here.

"Oh god, that is so not fair!" Amy groaned pulling her bra and blouse back on as Sheldon removed his now wet fingers and stepped back. Moving to the door to get their food and pay Sheldon came back to the kitchen to find Amy straightened out and pulling plates out of the cupboard.

"Will you stay tonight?" she asked hopefully.

"I wish I could Amy but I need to go home as I want to get in early. With James and Simon coming I want to get as much done as I can before they arrive so I can take time off if needed." Amy nodded in understanding. She felt the same way; but like on their return from England this weekend had made her realise how much she liked having Sheldon with her.

"I miss you when we are not together." she said quietly, not looking at him.

Sheldon didn't reply at first considering her words. "I can maybe meet you for lunch tomorrow?"

Amy nodded, that wasn't what she had meant but she was not sure the emotions she felt now where not merely sexual.

The food finished and washing done Sheldon reluctantly put his folded clothes back into his case and began to gather his jacket.

"You don't have to take me, I can get Leonard to pick me up." he said, seeing Amy move slowly.

"No I don't mind honestly. I may pop in and see Penny while there. Tell her I have invited Missy to stay!" she grinned at the thought.

By the time they had reached the 4th floor Amy turned with a bright smile and kissed Sheldon cheek. "I will call you tomorrow night." Nodding he waved goodbye and opened the door to his apartment.

Amy turned and knocked on the door of 4B there was no answer, she had just turned to move back down the stairs when Sheldon's door opened and Penny appeared "Amy, Sheldon said you were coming to see me. Did you have fun? Come in the others would like to see you."

"No, its OK Penny, "Amy said quietly. "I was just going to pass on Missy greetings anyway."

Sensing there was more to it Penny said "Hang on a second." and dashed back into 4A only to reappear almost immediately with her bag and jacket.

"Come on, girly chat."

Dragging Amy in, shoving her onto the sofa and pouring her wine she said "So spill. What's up? Sheldon had said you had fun?"

"Oh Penny I did, it was the best. Meemaw is everything Sheldon said she was. I had a lovely time. Sheldon is so different there I couldn't believe it."

"So why do you look sad?"

"Because the weekend is over and I have to go home and Sheldon wont be there and I miss him when he is not there."

"So maybe you should tell him Amy."

"I did, he said he would see me for lunch. The thing is I don't know if I am just feeling frustrated but I kind of ache and want to cry when I leave him here."

"Why would you be frustrated, I thought things in that area were good?"

"Oh they are! But well, we were getting a little carried away earlier and were interrupted, the same kind of thing happened last night at his Meemaw's. Look Penny just ignore me I am tired and horny obviously that's all!"

"Oh Amy I think there is much more to it than that but I do think it is Sheldon you should be talking to not me! For all you k now he could be feeling the same way."

Shrugging Amy said, "I had better go. I have so much to do at work, at least that'll take my mind of it." Leaving her wine untouched Amy hugged Penny and left.

73~73

"So I got dragged into the office and told they had changed the dates; now they have said I can go for a month! But.. and this is the reason I am calling, they want us to leave on Friday. We would be with you Saturday morning your time. Amy if that is inconvenient tell me. The university have said they will pay for a hotel so we can stay somewhere local and you wont need to be put out." James said all of this in almost one breath he was obviously annoyed and anxious.

"James it is great you can stay longer! And of course you must stay with us! But let me get back to you as it could be the first few days you may need to stay in a hotel if I cant arrange everything."

"Amy thank you! I know you haven't had much time home yourselves lately and to have us descend upon you..."

"Oh we are looking forward to it! But we have only just got back from Texas so I am a bit all over the place at the moment."

"OK well why don't I let you go work and then maybe when you have had a chance to chat with Sheldon we can Skype and sort out the details?"

"Thanks James that will be great. And I meant it we really are looking forward to seeing both of you!"

Replacing her phone Amy sighed. Things seemed crazy lately, she almost craved that old routine of Sheldon's when she had time to relax and contemplate, now she seemed to be playing catch up all the time and running from one thing to another and not appreciating anything.

"Sheldon just heard form James. Plans changed. Need to work out new arrangement."

Amy sent the text then returned to the lab where she had a backlog of brains to dissect, a pile of hospital data to input and a list of potential patients to review.

It was going to be a late night!

73~73

It was Thursday before Amy actually got to see Sheldon again. She had exchanged brief texts but had not had time to return his calls and had missed dinner at The Cheesecake Factory so she could fit in visiting the hospital, interviewing new research assistants and trying to arrange details for James stay. She hadn't spoken to James in person either and so now, Thursday evening as she pulled up outside Sheldon's apartment she sent James a quick text to see if he would be able to Skype later.

Climbing the stairs Amy literally bumped into Penny and Leonard as they rounded the corner

"Ames! We missed you where have you been?" Penny questioned looking at Amy closely "you look exhausted! Are you OK?"

"Hi guys, yes I have just been busy, I haven't had a minute."

"Well we are just off to pick up the food. Sheldon will be thrilled to see you; he has missed you." Leonard commented patting her arm.

Waving they carried on down the stairs as Amy reached the landing and knocked on the door.

"Amy!" Sheldon grinned pulling her in to the room and kissing her hello.

"Come sit down, I will get you a drink." Sheldon trotted to the kitchen and opened the fridge, would you like water or juice or tea?" he peered at her over the door of the fridge.

"Anything I don't mind,"she answered quietly.

Sheldon grabbed two bottles of water and returned to his spot. "Amy is everything OK? You don't look your normal self. Are you sickening for something?" he backed away slightly.

"No Sheldon I am just tired." Opening her water Amy took a long drink before putting it on the table.

"I promised James we would Skype later, we need to do it tonight he leaves tomorrow! I cant believe it I haven't even got back to him on where he and simon are staying."

Sheldon could feel the tension in Amy's body. "Amy just relax, why don't you go lie down on my bed and I'll call you when Leonard and Penny return with dinner. You really do need to rest or you will be ill when James gets here." Pulling her up he led her to his room and sat her on the bed.

Frowning as he returned to the living room he wondered just how many hours Amy had been working this week, she was obviously exhausted. By the time the others had arrived back Amy was in a deep sleep. Deciding to leave her to rest Sheldon plated up some food for her for later then asked Penny if she had heard from Amy much this week.

"No sweetie, today was the first I had seen her since you got back from Texas. She looked exhausted didn't she. Why don't you ask James if he knows what is going on, they work quite closely and if it is about his trip he may know." nodding Sheldon went to set up the Skype call.

"Sheldon!" James grinned "that's a surprise I was expecting Amy."

"Yes I'm sorry, Amy is here but asleep. She has been busy she said and arrived here tonight exhausted."

"Oh that's my fault, I changed the plans. I knew it would cause her problems." James frowned.

"Listen Sheldon I couldn't get hold of her myself this week so I have booked Simon and I into a hotel for the first week at least, I hope that is OK. I just needed to make sure I had something booked."

"That is fine, we are expecting you to stay with us though at least for part of your trip. I know Amy is looking forward to it. Has your bringing the trip forward impacted on Amy s work load do you know?"

"Yes Sheldon, it is my fault, well Linda's really. We had to bring it forward so I cold be back by year end and have the data finished. This meant Amy needed to make sure everything was ready at the hospital for when I got there. I am guessing this added to her work load. For us this is our only project but not for Amy. I am sorry Sheldon. I will make it up to her when I get there."

"That's OK, I just was a little worried there was something else wrong, we have had little contact this week so I just needed to be sure. I know when rested she will be delighted to have you here and probably cross with me for not telling you to cancel the hotel."

"Sheldon we don't mind staying in the hotel. Before I forget Simon asked is it still OK for him to come in and work with your friend?"

"Yes it is fine, Raj has been looking forward to it. In fact we are all looking forward to it. Penny maybe not so much now she knows about Simon "Sheldon laughed

"Hey!" Penny said from her spot on the sofa.

"Oh is everyone there? James grinned. Sheldon turned his laptop round so James could see the others on the sofa. "That is Penny and Leonard, my room-mate. Raj and Howard are not here this evening they have plans with their lady folk."

"Well it was nice to see where you live, Amy told us so much about it! I am going to have to go Sheldon, Simon is nagging me to go pack."

"You haven't packed yet?" Sheldon asked horrified.

"Oh don't you start, I swear you and Simon are as bad as each other!" and with a wave he was gone.

Sighing Sheldon closed his laptop and turned to the others. "Well that explains why Amy is so tired!" checking his watch he said "I will go check on her." and went down the hall to his room. Opening the door quietly he saw Amy stir.

"Hey," he whispered. "you hungry?"

"Are they back already?"

"They were back 2 hours ago!" Sheldon grinned. "You were out cold so I let you sleep. Come on I saved you some food."

"Sheldon I need to call James."Amy cried jumping up and nearly falling over in her haste.

"I have spoked to him! Relax. It is all sorted. Now come eat and forget about work for a few hours."

Holding her hand Sheldon took her back to the living room were she smiled shyly at Penny and Leonard "Hi, sorry I have been so anti social!"

"Amy it is OK, you have been working to hard! You need to let Sheldon take care of you for the evening!" Penny winked. Sheldon, much to Pennys surprise, nodded in agreement.

Eating her food hungrily Amy realised she hadn't eaten since about 6 that morning..

"So what did James say?" she asked curiously

"Amy he hasn't packed yet" Sheldon said still unable to believe it.

"OK... that's all he said?"

"Well no he said he had booked him and Simon into a hotel for the first week."

Seeing Amy about to protest Sheldon said "He feels guilty for you increased work load so I assured him when you were recovered you would be able to settle him in at yours to your satisfaction. But Amy it makes sense that he stays in a hotel to begin with. It will give us time to get things organised which we haven't had the chance to do yet. Have you still got lots to do at work?"

"No thank goodness. I got it sorted today so come Monday we are all systems go."

"Then can I make a suggestion. Tonight you stay here, rest. Take tomorrow off work and plan what you want to do for the next few weeks; then when we pick James and Simon up Saturday you will be refreshed and ready. We can take them to dinner, they can relax in their hotel, it makes sense."

Amy nodded. "OK, thank you Sheldon."she leant over and kissed him gently.

A slight cough behind them broke their eye contact and they turned to see Leonard and Penny already at the door. "We will leave you guys alone, Sheldon why don't you call in tomorrow too, you have enough days owing." Leonard suggested.

"Yes I might" Sheldon said considering."thanks Leonard." Then turning back to Amy he said, "Come on you go shower and get ready for bed and I'll tidy up in here and be in soon."

73~73

Sheldon called the university at 8 am and told them he would not be in. He sent Leonard a text to the same affect then moved about the kitchen busying himself making Amy coffee and porridge.

She had slept soundly all night her head on his chest, her hand by his neck. Sheldon realised he had missed her being there next to him.

As he laid the breakfast on the tray he was surprised to turn and see Amy behind him.

"I was just going to bring this to you."

"What breakfast in bed? I thought food wasn't allowed in bed!"

"It isn't but these were exceptional circumstances! As Penny pointed out I need to take better care of you."

"Oh Sheldon I don't think she meant you were not taking care of me. "Amy laughed.

"Well I should have checked on you this week. I bet you haven't been eating properly or sleeping properly. Today I will make sure you don't over exert yourself so you are well rested for the arrival of your friends."

"You are staying home?" Amy asked surprised. Sheldon nodded

"Wow! OK, well then I may go back to bed so you can come feed me."

"Oh no, you are up now, there is no need for this food to enter the bedroom! Sit here and eat while I go get washed and dressed then we can sort out the plans for the next few weeks."

Amy grinned as she settled down to eat. She decided a few mouthfuls of food and coffee was more than enough. Grinning she sneaked down the hall to the bathroom letting herself in quietly stripping off her nightclothes she stepped into the shower behind Sheldon.

"Aaaahhh!" He squealed in shock spinning round, "Amy what are you doing?"

"I'd have thought that was obvious, I am having a shower." and reaching around him, ensuring she was pressed right up against him as she did so, Amy grabbed the soap. She then proceeded to soap her breasts and stomach and completely ignore Sheldon who stood in stunned silence watching her.

"Can you do my back?" she grinned over her shoulder at him handing him the soap. Taking it slowly Sheldon lathered his hands then rubbed Amy's shoulders gently.

"mmmm that feels so good" she moaned. Rubbing the tense knots in her neck Sheldon worked his way down her back slowly. Turning her he reached for the shampoo and began lathering her hair before tipping her head back gently and rinsing.

"You are good at this!" Amy grinned. Now facing towards Sheldon she saw he was as affected by the new intimacy as she felt herself. His penis hard and pressing against his hip bone. As Sheldon rubbed conditioner into her hair Amy reached down to stroke him gently.

"Amy I cant do this properly if you keep distracting me." Sheldon groaned trying not to thrust in to her palm as she gripped him.

Leaving the conditioner on her hair Sheldon turned her round so she was facing away from him.

"What's wrong? Amy asked, she knew he had been enjoying her touch, he couldn't hide that fact!

"Amy if you keep touching me like that I will become distracted. The purpose of today is me taking care of you!" and before the words registered in her head Amy felt one arm reached around her waist and the other round her chest. As Sheldon tweaked at her nipples she felt long slim fingers brush her clit before sinking slowly into her.

"Oohhhh... mmmm." she moaned her head falling forward against the tiled shower wall.

Soon the only sounds coming from the room were running water and Amy's moans as Sheldon slowly and thoroughly stroked and licked her body all over.

73~73

After another nap they now both sat on the sofa with a calendar balanced on their knees as they mapped out the following weeks. Amy had persuaded Sheldon to at least consider James and Simon staying at his so they could stay at hers.

"That way James and Simon have more space. Penny will be more than happy to let Leonard stay at hers and we can stay at mine, therefore not having to worry about noise levels" she winked. Finally seeing the logic in her argument, Amy's cries from this morning still echoing in his ears, Sheldon agreed to at least consider this proposal.

Happy, Sheldon then looked at the last week of James expected stay. "I had a thought, why don't we invite my mum sister and Meemaw to stay that last week. They can meet James and Simon and we could have a trip to Disney, Meemaw would love it! Then maybe a few sight seeing trips."

"Where would everyone stay?"

"Well we can see what the hotel is like James is in next week. If it is nice I am sure mummy would be OK there. Leonard could move back here with James and Simon if Missy would rather stay with Penny; or we could all stay at the hotel, make a holiday of it?"

Grinning Amy kissed Sheldon's cheek. "That sounds fun. I will check Monday and book the time off work. You should get Missy to do they same!"

Smiling at her enthusiasm Sheldon agreed. It should be a fun few weeks.

73~73