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another storm.”
    “It’s Florida.  When do we not have storms?” Bryon questioned . “I’ll see you both in a while.”
    Bryon contemplated his involvement with Kristina as he drove towards Rob’s farm. It seemed like things with her were going to fall into place easily.  He knew, though, that trust was the most vital factor and that it would take time.  He was a patient man and if Kristina was eventu ally to be his little girl, he was willing to wait as long as it took. On impulse, Bryon tapped his Bluetooth. “Call Krissy.”  The phone started ringing.
    “Hello?” she sounded tired.
    “Kristina? It’s Bry.  Are you ok?”
    “I’m on a break. One of the girls called in and I’m taking a second shift.  I’m just a bit tired.”
    “I spoke with Rob.  He said you looked like you were about to fall on your face.”
    “Do you guys keep each other on speed dial? You don’t have to worry about me. Trust me, I’m fine,” Kristina said closing her eyes as she sat back in her car. 
    “Quite the contr ary. Ye s, we are on speed dial and I do have to worry about you. I kept you up too late last night, I’m sorry.”
    “It wasn't you.  I had some inspiration about the research and was writing it out.  I just lost track of time.”
    At least she told him the truth, Bryon mused. He cleared his throat. “We talked earlier about you getting some rest and how it affects your thinking. Is it going to be necessary for me to start monitoring your sleep schedule?”
    “Hah hah.  You sound like a big brother again.  You’re really sweet to w ant to worry about me , but I’m an adult.  I can monitor my own sleep schedule,” Kristina said lightly.
    “We’ll see about that, shorty. I’m pl aying Strong Safety on your team now, little girl, ” he w arned in a ominous tone, “If you get yourself sick or hurt, that means you will have to deal with me taking care of you.  You obviously need a big brother in your life.  You can ask my sister. I’m a mean old bear when it comes to health and welfare. I become very go al oriented and won’t be deterred. ”
    Kristin a used the opportunity to focus aw ay from herself and hopefully lighten his tone. “Speaking of which: fiancée ?”
    “Yeah…. They’re good together.  Rob gives her the strength and direction she needs and she makes him laugh.”
    “He didn’t look like he was laughing much today,” Kristina commented, giggling. “Especially after she called him a butthead and then told him to bite her.”
    “Rob’s very p articular about respect.  All us guys are. We were raised under a somewhat antiquated value system with an old-fashioned, southern gentleman modeling proper manners .”
    “There’s nothing wrong with that.  Really, it’s nice to know that chivalry is not dead.  I like it when a man holds the door for me and pulls out my chair. It’s even nice when he offers to carry my bags every now and then,” Kristina admitted, interested in how their conversation was turning.  If Bryon was anything like Rob, she knew she was in for a very thought-provoking semester with her part-time philosophy teacher. She had not missed the subtle hints either.
    If you ever need a big brother or daddy fix, you just call…. He ar me, young lady?
    “Get used to it, “Bryon was saying, “I know Suzanne’s going to pay you a stipend.  Will it be enough to cut back your work hours?”
    “I didn’t ask.”
    “Excuse me? Th at’s not an answer. ”
    “Honestly, I didn’t ask,” Kristina repeated. “I look at this as an opportunity to gain some experience.  I don’t care if I get paid.”
    “That changes immediately,” Bryon said firmly. “I’m going to find out and if it’s enough, you are to reduce your hours.  Got me, young l ady ?”
    “But Bryon….”
    “No buts. Neither Suzanne nor I want you hurting yourself.  When’s your next day off?”
    “Monday,” Kristina said quietly, trying to ignore the shivers down her b ack