Page 26 of Bittersweet

With a section of hair in one hand, Kayla opened the scissors with the other, obviously ready to give herself a brand new hairstyle.

“Kayla!” Logan cried.

Kayla’s eyes nearly popped out of the sockets. Her grip on the scissors released, sending them clattering to the floor, and she started to cry.

Harper swooped in and retrieved the scissors, glancing back at Logan as she moved into the kitchen to return them to their place. “My apartment isn’t childproof. Sorry.”

Logan squatted down in front of his little girl. “What have I told you about scissors?” His voice was firm and serious.

“I need a haircut,” Kayla whimpered.

“You don’t ever cut your own hair. You hear me?”

Kayla’s cute little bottom lip stuck out.

“And we’re guests in Harper’s home. You don’t touch other people’s things unless you ask and they say it’s okay. Understand?”

Kayla whimpered again.

“Do you understand?” he asked more forcefully.

“Yes.”

“Are you going to cut your own hair?”

She shook her head.

“Are you going to take things without asking?”

She shook her head.

He kissed her forehead. “Good. Now apologize.”

Harper stood in the doorway of the kitchen and watched as Kayla hugged her dad.

“I’m sorry, Daddy.” She let go and walked over to Harper with her arms outstretched.

Harper crouched down to her level, and the little girl hugged her, squeezing tightly, then whispered, “I’m sorry,” in her ear, and left a soft kiss on her cheek.

“Good girl,” Logan said. “Now, go get your stuff.”

Kayla scurried away to Harper’s bedroom, and Logan stood, shaking his head. “She’s going to end up with a mohawk or worse one of these days.”

Harper laughed in spite of the situation. “You’re a good dad, Logan.”

Logan looked up at her as if surprised. “Thank you. I do my best.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Anything,” he replied with a smile.

“Where are you living?”

His smile faded.

“Are you in a bad part of town?”

He shifted from one foot to the other, as if uncomfortable with her questions.

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