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

Either Max was one of those stereotypical gay men with decorating in their genes, or his sisters had helped him with the apartment. Everything matched, from the faded leather sofa to the geometric patternin the rug that picked up the red of Max’s drapes. He even had a dining room table and chairs, and from what Kit could see through the half-open door, a king-sized bed with sheets that matched the sofa. Kit’s apartment was decorated a la Goodwill.


“What can I say?” Kit quipped, putting his controller back into the charging station. “I’m a natural.”


There was absolutely nothing romantic about playing video games, but Kit was acutely aware of Max’s presence on the sofa beside him. The muscular body radiated a heat that seemed to scorch Kit’s side. Hewanted to move away. He wanted to move closer. He wondered if Max might possibly be feeling the same thing he was.


Chapter 12