The scent of his cologne and the warm, firm frame of him against her back are starting to erode her willpower. It would be easy to lift up her skirt and brace her hands on top of the vanity, warn Tony not to wrinkle her dress... biting her lip, Pepper pushes the mental image aside, no matter how delicious. She refuses to make an appearance with a post-sex flush on her face, and the wait will make the reward that much sweeter at the end of the night.

"Oh, I'm aware," she manages dryly with a small smirk, only a little belatedly. "But seeing as how it's a party in your honor and it's rude to keep the guests waiting, I think you should try to make an appearance on time tonight. Don't you?"

Her tone is sweet and airy, but the precise way she's delivering her argument means she won't be swayed no matter what.