Chapter 74: A Birthday Present

Crystal came up behind Nathan and wrapped her hands around his waist. She kissed the back of his neck and shoulders and said, 'Whatever it is that you're cooking, it smells delicious." 'I hope it tastes as good as it smells," Nathan replied, and even though Crystal couldn't see his face, she could tell that he was smiling. After a moment, Nathan chuckled, and he said, 'I almost forgot that it's your Birthday! I have a present for you. It's in my pocket. You can get it if you'd like." 'A present?" Crystal exclaimed happily. 'For me?" After everything that had happened at the bar, she'd pretty much forgotten that it was her Birthday. 'Go ahead!" Nathan laughed and said, 'Take a look!" Crystal reached one hand into each pocket and frowned when she didn't immediately find anything. His pockets were large, though, so she went deeper and moved her fingers all about. Through the fabric, she could feel Nathan's strong abdominal muscles, but the pockets seemed empty. Then, just as she was a