The Only Exception
He'll admit, the sex wasn't earth-shattering. It was clumsy and demanding and more than a little drunk. The silent auction last night had won Tony more than just a few trivial collectables. Pepper had been there. Pepper had been there and drank with him. They got to talking and drank some more. Before either of them knew it, Pepper was stumbling drunk (Tony only mildly tipsy) and pulling Tony's clothing off him on the way to the limo. And who was he to refuse her? He did of course, question Pepper between breathless kisses whether or not she really wanted this as much as he did. She shut him up with another kiss and told him, yes, she had wanted this for a long time. So they continued…
Yeah, he'll admit the sex wasn't earth-shattering… but that was the best sex he had ever had. He gradually came to consciousness around 10:30. He stretched languidly and blindly reached towards where Pepper had been previously. He fancied a mid-morning romp with her. His hand gripped only cool sheets. He turned his head, frowning. Nope, the bed was empty. He was sure he had entertained Pepper last night. Not something you'd easily forget, finally making love to the woman you secretly have loved for a long time. He sat up and was rather disappointed. Where was she? He rubbed his hand across his face and flopped back down. He directed his questions towards the ceiling.
"Jarvis? Where is Miss Po- er… Pepper?" he feared the answer would be that she had fled, screaming in terror, from sleeping with her boss. Jarvis hesitated slightly before answering.
"Perhaps you should look at the note on your bedside table, sir." Came the cool British tone of his AI. Note? He turned his head the opposite way towards his side table. Note! He sat back up and reached for it. The note was a piece of stationary from Pepper's desk. The note read,
Tony-
It's about 9:00. If I'm not back before you wake up, I've just run home to shower and get ready for the meeting today (which you will attend!)
-Pepper
Tony sighed. He'd have to find a way out of that meeting. Then he smiled, the only woman to ever leave HIM in bed was also the only one who was invited to come back for more later.