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

Just as Kit had settled onto the sofa, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Val. With a sigh, he swiped to accept.


“I hope you had a nice dinner. I had Lean Cuisine.”


“It’s not my fault you didn’t stop somewhere for real food. We had a good time. Max has a lot of kid-friendly video games and movies. He’s got several nieces and nephews.”


“Well, I’m glad Ebon had fun. I was a little worried you two would get hot and heavy and ignore the kid.”


“We had fried chicken and played Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, thank you.”


“And he’s coming to your place this weekend? You’re moving pretty fast for a man who didn’t have time for romance.”


“It’s not that fast, Val. It’s just dinner. We’re hardly going to make out with a seven-year-old in the room.”


“How am I supposed to know what you’re going to do? You’ve never introduced the man to me.”


Chapter 15