Dirty Little Secret

Chapter 92

New Years Eve
8pm

The doorbell rings while Happy, Rhodey, Tony, Kristina, Genevieve & Javier are setting up in the kitchen.
"I'll get it", Genevieve says rushing to the door.
"Hey. You made it!", Genevieve can be heard saying. Tony comes up behind Kristina, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"You look so sexy", he whispers in her ear. Kristina bites her lip.
"So do you." Tony grabs her jaw, turns her head & kisses her.
"Ugh, don't start this now", Rhodey says disgustedly. The front door can be heard closing.
"Look who's here!" They all walk out the kitchen & into the dining room to see Maria, Dean & a tall brunette man.
"Good to see everyone. This is my brother Sam", Dean introduces. Sam waves & smiles.
"Nice to meet you, Sam. I'm Kristina."
"Oh right. Maria's stepsister. The CEO. I've heard wonderful things about you", he says shaking her hand.
"Likewise. This is my husband Tony, Rhodey, Happy & Genevieve's boyfriend Javier", she introduces. Sam shakes everyone's hand when Sophia rushes into the dining room.
"Dean, good to see you again."
"You too", he replies hugging Kristina quickly.
"I hear congratulations are in order. Maria told me you're pregnant."
"I am", Kristina smiles.
"Congratulations."
"Thanks."
"Maria!"
"Hey rugrat", she says crouching down to give Sophia a hug.
"So this must be the famous Sophia", Sam says smiling. Maria stands up & introduces Sam to Sophia.
"Food should be done shortly, if you guys are hungry. We got BBQ meatballs, pigs in a blanket, pasta salad, wings, all the good sh---stuff", Javier says.
"Drinks & food are in the kitchen. Help yourself", Genevieve adds. The doorbell rings & Javier answers it while Genevieve puts on some music. Sophia is playing hide & seek with Rhodey. The rest of the adults are conversing. Genevieve grabs Kristina's arm & whispers, "I need to talk to you." Genevieve drags Kristina into the kitchen.
"What's going on?"
"I saw Javier's coworkers. You're gonna recognize one. Just don't freak out."
"Why would I freak out?" Genevieve pulls her to the doorway & Kristina sees a familiar face. A tall man with dark hair shaking Tony's hand. The man glances over at them & catches Kristina's stare but then returns back to the conversation. Kristina takes a few steps back.
"Oh shit."

Kristina hears the voices get louder when one more guests enters the home.
"Mm-hmm. That's why I gave you the heads up." Genevieve walks over to her.
"Now come on, let's join the party." Kristina clears her throat & plasters on a fake smile. They enter the dining room/living room.
"Kristina, Genevieve. Come here. I want you to meet someone", Javier says. The girls walk over.
"These two are my coworkers: Billy Russo & Frank Castle."
"Hey. Nice to meet you", they both say as they shake hands with Genevieve & Kristina.
"If you'll please excuse me, I gotta check on the food", Genevieve says.
"I don't mean to sound rude but you got any beer in this place", Billy asks Javier.
"In the kitchen. I'll show you." Genevieve, Javier & Billy walk away.
"Good to see you. Didn't think I'd ever run into you again."
"Same here. How have you been?"
"Pretty good. You?"
"Good."
"Seems like you made a great life for yourself."
"I did, yeah." Tony comes over to them.
"Baby, you remember Pepper." Kristina turns her head & smiles.
"I do. How wonderful to see you again", she says shaking her hand.
"Nice to see you as well. Tony's been raving about your daughter & your pregnancy. Congratulations", Pepper says happily.
"Oh, thank you so much."
"How far along are you?"
"Roughly nine weeks."
"Wow, congratulations", Frank says.
"Thanks."
"Where are my manners? Tony, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend Frank. Frank, this is Tony Stark."
"Heard a lot about you, man. Good to meet you."
"Yeah, you too", Tony says shaking his hand.
"Food's ready if you guys are hungry", Javier announces.
"If you two will excuse me, I am starving", Pepper says.
"Of course. Enjoy." Pepper takes Frank's hand & walk into the kitchen. Tony notices the uneasy look upon Kristina's face.
"You okay?"
"Uh, yeah. I'm good", she says running a hand through her hair.
"You're lying. What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, really." Tony grabs her hand & takes her near the staircase.
"Don't lie to me. What's wrong?"
"Do you remember our first huge fight when I fought that woman in your house?"
"Kinda hard to forget that but yeah."
"We broke up & I slept with someone else.."
"Yeah."
"That was him. Frank." Tony shrugs, "So what? Don't let it be awkward. Pepper & I dated. It's all in the past, spitfire." He kisses her.
"Want me to kick his ass or something?" She chuckles, "No."
"Then relax. Stress isn't good for the baby."
"Mommy, mommy", Sophia yells running towards her. Kristina turns around.
"What's up, munchkin?"
"I'm hungry."
"Me too. Let's go in the kitchen."
"Come on, daddy", Sophia says grabbing his hand.