"You're good at this," Maria said in surprise as she looked up at Thor.
"Thank you," Thor said, still smiling kindly at her. "Despite what Jane just said about Asgardians not holding balls, my mother made sure that my brother and I knew how to do certain dances, and this one is simple enough to pick up even if I wasn't familiar with it."
"You know," Maria pointed out. "You can't be very captivated by me if you're watching Jane's every move. A real lover would be very upset with you by now."
Thor laughed out loud and said, "Then I suppose I ought to pay more attention to you, my lovely lady."
Maria nearly gasped in the next moment when she felt Thor slide a bobby pin out of her hair, first one and then a handful of others until her walnut-colored locks tumbled down her shoulders.
The demigod's eyes had become mesmerized by her as he held her gaze and asked, "Do you think Agent Coulson believes our acting?"
Her heart was beating a little fast as she admitted, "Well, I believe it, so he'd better."
Thor's blue eyes flickered with concern as he asked, "Have I offended you?"
With one hand on his waist and the other resting on his chest, Maria shook her head, "No. Why would I be offended that you're a really good dancer and actor?"
"Are you bothered by my actions, then?"
"No," Maria decided, adding a wink and a grin just for affect.
She was certainly surprised by how well Thor was doing with this – and with how easily he was getting her into the smooth rhythm of the dance. Dancing with Thor was definitely different and definitely weird – she would still have much rather been in Steve's arms either way – but it was actually kind of fun.