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

“Right on time,” Max said, giving Ebon a big grin. “I hope you like fried chicken, young man.”


“I want a drumstick.” Ebon took three steps into the living room and spotted the PS4. His eyes widened. “What kind of games do you have?”


Max laughed. “Why don’t you go look at the games while your dad and I get dinner on the table. I thought we could play after we eat. Or we could watch a movie. Check those out while you’re over there.”


In the kitchen, Max hurried back to the stove, dishing up the last few pieces of chicken. He switched the cast iron skillet to a different burner and set the plate of chicken in the middle of the table. “Want to grab that half-gallon of tea in the fridge? I’m going to make us some gravy.”


Kit grabbed that, then set out rolls and butter next to the mashed potatoes. He watched with interest asMax poured out most of the grease in his skillet, then added flour. “I can’t make gravy for squat.”


Chapter 14