Tony did take a breath, but was left fiddling with the corner of his napkin and a very slow exhale instead of whatever quip he had loaded to shoot back, effectively forced to reevaluate at the reminder of the status quo. With her on that side of the desk and without the energy to outmaneuver him, it was easy to forget his position here. Of course, now she wasn't talking to him.
Eventually, he had to abandon his napkin rocket, demanding, "Give me your shoes," as he dropped it into his plate. When Pepper didn't respons fast enough (within 0.75 seconds), Tony was already pushing out of his seat, saying again, "Come on, take 'em off," as he approached, kicking out the chair next to her so when he sat again he was facing her, elbows on his knees and hands out expectantly.