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

No, it was best to keep this relationship a pretend one. After all, he wasn’t falling for Max or anything. Just because they’d shared a couple of very interesting kisses didn’t mean anything. It wasjust like Val said—he needed to get out more often.


Thursday night found him on Max’s balcony with a Coke in his hand, looking out over the city streets as Max grilled burgers and veggies. Ebon made a face at the latter, but Kit would make sure he at least ate half of his serving. He was currently in front of the PS4 with one of the nephews’ games.


“I’ve got some bad news,” Max said, flipping the burgers. “Mom’s not taking ‘No’ for an answer, I’m afraid. She wants you to come for dinner next weekend.”


Kit had to roll his eyes at that. This might just backfire on them. “Val’s been after me for the same thing, too.”


“Would it bother you?” Max jerked his chin toward the living room. “Maybe we ought to come clean.”


Chapter 20