Author's note: HambyRepo requested this prompt. Here ya, go. :-)

#17 – Shy Kiss

The business day was over at Stark Industries, but the building still teemed with people. The annual employee Christmas Party was in full swing. With everyone around, it would seem hard to believe that Pepper Potts could miss one person out of the crowd, but, when your responsibility is that one person, it pays to know their whereabouts at all times. Somehow, after the toast, she'd lost track of Tony. Never one to be given to panic, she was beginning to worry. She saw his bodyguard and driver leaned against the wall talking to a woman from the secretarial pool. "I'm sorry to interrupt," she said as she approached them. "Happy, have you seen Tony?"

"Have you looked in his office?"

"No, but I will. Thank you." She left the pair and walked in the direction of the office. Pepper slowed as she neared the door. If she learned nothing else in the time she'd been employed by Tony Stark, it was that you always proceed with caution. Barreling in uninvited could cause you to encounter scenes which could scar your psyche for life. She stopped and knocked loudly on the oak door. "Mr. Stark?" she said, using her professional Personal Assistant voice. "Mr. Stark, are you in there?" She listened for tell-tale signs he may be entertaining female company, but, she heard none. She turned the knob. "Tony?" she said, her voice showing more concern than she realized.

"Come in, Pepper." The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from an old banker's lamp. Tony was leaned against the giant desk with a drink in his hand. He saw her peek cautiously around the door frame. "It's okay. I'm alone."

She eased into the room, closing the door behind her. "What are you doing in here alone?"

"Thinking," he said. "Why? Where did you think I would be?"

"I don't know. It's Christmas. It's a party. There's alcohol. I thought you might be…"

"Dancing on a table wearing nothing but a Santa hat?" he supplied with a twinkle in his eye.

"Something like that." Pepper smiled and walked across the room. She leaned beside him on the desk. "Are you okay?"

"Honestly? No. Then again, December isn't my favorite month."

Pepper understood completely. His parents died roughly a week before Christmas and the holidays could be hard on someone without any other family. She should know. However, he didn't need to hear her sad, sympathetic story. Before she could say anything, he spoke again.

Tony patted the top of the desk. "This was his. I had it brought in from New York when I took over. When I was a kid, Mom would bring me by so Dad could show off his genius son. It seemed huge then. There isn't any particular sentiment attached to it. I just wanted to finally show the old man that I was worthy to take the position. He wasn't the only Stark capable of running this company. He may not be proud of me, but, he would have to respect me." He swirled the scotch in his glass, staring at it before speaking again. "He was far from the world's best father, but I loved him."

"I'm sure he loved you, too," Pepper said, trying to be comforting.

"I'm not even sure he liked me."

"Well...I do."

Tony's head shot up. "What?"

"I like you. And...I respect you. So do a lot of other people. Pretty soon, people will be referring to Howard Stark as 'Tony Stark's father' if they don't already." She took a chance and laid her hand atop his. "You're taking this company in directions no one thought possible and succeeding. I'm glad that I'm here to see it."

"How do you always seem to know the right thing to say?"

"It's a gift."

Tony sat his glass on the desk. "I am going to kiss you now, Miss Potts," he announced.

Pepper stood in stunned silence. She had made it very plain to Tony that she refused to be another one of his conquests, despite the fact they would be spending a tremendous amount of time together in close proximity. Still, she wasn't going to deny that there was a flutter of anticipation in her stomach. "Okay," she said, hoping she didn't sound as shaky as she felt. Pepper saw him lick his lips. He seemed…nervous. It struck her that she found this endearing. Slowly, Tony leaned in and placed a sweet, chaste kiss on her cheek. For a fleeting moment, she could have sworn she saw him blush. Her mind raced for something to say to seem the right amount of unoffended yet not unaffected. She opted for humor. "So that's what it's like to be kissed by the great Tony Stark. No wonder the women swoon."

"I don't go around giving those out to just anyone, you know."

"I know." She squeezed his hand.

Tony looked around the room and sighed. "I think I've had about as much Christmas cheer as I can stand. Where's Happy?"

"Trying to put the moves on Lana, the newest secretary. I can tell him we're ready to go and save him the embarrassment of being shot down…again." They shared a laugh. She noticed the near-empty glass. "Need me to take that for you?"

Tony picked it up and drained the last few swallows. He took her hand and placed the glass in it, but, he lingered with his fingers around hers. "Thank you, Miss Potts." The look in his chocolate brown eyes showed he didn't just mean for returning the glass tumbler.

"You're welcome," she replied sincerely. She cleared her throat. "Will that be all, Mr. Stark?"

"That will be all, Miss Potts."

Author's note: This is my first attempt at "serious" pre-IM Pepperony. When I got the request, it immediately piqued my interest and a comment from nancyozz in an entirely different conversation gave me the idea. It just started rolling after that. My BFF (who always seems to be able to help me when I'm stuck) gave me the idea that tied everything together. I've said it before, but, I am really enjoying this "Pepperony Experiment", as I've come to call it. You guys have been great and very supportive. I am blessed with great followers. EVERY review is appreciated more than you will ever know. Please let me know what you think. (I haven't forgotten you, AthenaMay. Yours is also going to be something I haven't tried.) I hope you like it. Keep the reviews and suggestions coming. As always, happy reading and PEPPERONY FOREVER!