Heavy metal backbeat vs. the classics. Bassist Kit Barlow doesn't have time for romance. He's holding down two jobs and playing in a heavy metal band -- while raising his seven-year-old son by himself. But when Ebon joins the Cub Scouts, Kit can't help but notice his group leader, Max Hill. Max is everything Kit likes in a man: tall, dark, and determined. The two men come up with a way to keep their nosy families from trying to set them up with every available man in the city: they'll pretend to be dating each other. In between the afternoon pool games and the Sunday mac 'n cheese, Kit and Max find their pretend romance is developing some real heat. There's only one problem now -- Kit finds out Max despises rock and roll music. How's a heavy metal rocker supposed to woo a man who only likes classical music? Can they make their relationship work, or will they find their differences hit a sour note?

Backbeat Rhythm

“And I give music lessons,” he added, trying another sip of coffee. This time, it went down without scalding his innards.


“Wait,” Max said, snapping his fingers. “Aren’t you the guy who plays the piano for the school programs? My sister’s kid was in some sort of musical thing a few months ago and I’d swear I saw you atthe keys.”


“Guilty. I figure it gives me a little exposure for my music lessons if the parents see I can actually handle an instrument.” Plus, the school had agreed to allow him the use of their piano for his music lessons and practice, in exchange for his work.


“Sounds like a good idea to me. If I remember correctly, I was impressed that they’d found such a good musician for our little school.”


Kit’s face flamed once more. “Thanks. I like playing for the kids. They’re still young enough to get a real kick out of everything.”


“And us old fogies don’t appreciate your talent, huh?”


Chapter 6