As pepper searched his eyes for any hesitation, she felt hope welling up in her chest

As pepper searched his eyes for any hesitation, she felt hope welling up in her chest. Maybe this could work, she thought. Before she could talk herself out of it, she felt Tony's hands gliding down to her skirt. She smiled and rid herself of all thoughts except those that encouraged his hands. She leaned forward and let Tony wash her away on a sea of passion.

The Next Morning: Tony awoke with crick in his neck and a warm hand across his bare chest. He turned, still half-asleep, expecting to see Ms. December, but instead pepper lay next to him, her head nestled against his chest. Tony smiled to himself and reached out hand to caress her cheek. She stirred and feeling his caress, smiled softly. She opened her eyes and Tony felt his heart skip a beat. He quickly looked down to make sure the arc reactor was still shining brightly in his chest.

Pepper caught his look and as his eyes rose again, she leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the nose. Tony grinned and let her lips drift downwards toward his own. However, before he could feel her lips, Jarvis interrupted. "I am sorry for intruding Anthony, but there seems to be a problem that could use the help of iron man in the city." Tony looked up, his mouth set in a grim line. "I'll be right there, Jarvis." Tony felt pepper's hand clench on his arm. He looked down and her eyes stared up at him, pleading silently not to go. He shook his head minutely. She nodded and untangling their limbs, arose from the makeshift bed on the flood of the lab.

She brought the sheet they had used for covering to wrap around her naked self and with dignity not many women in her situation could handle, walked out of the room. Tony wanted to go after her, but he knew that she would be there waiting for him when he got back. So he to got up from the floor and went to get the suit on.

To be continued…