Backbeat Rhythm

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?

J.D. Ryan · LGBT+

Not enough ratings

30 Chs

Chapter 19

They ended up playing best of three. Kit was a little rusty, as he’d hardly ever had time to practice since college, but he’d been pretty good once. Max had a natural talent, but didn’t take the time he needed to line up the right shot. He tended to snap off a shot, trusting to sheer power to bounce something into a pocket. They each won a game, but Kit was determined to win the battle.

Max broke again, this time lining up his shot more carefully to make three shots before he flubbed a tricky bank shot. Kit managed to pocket all but one of his balls before he ran out of options. He left the cue in a horrible position for Max, who cursed him soundly as he tried to figure out how to get out of the corner without scratching. In the end, he could do nothing except slap the cue ball around the table a bit, leaving a clear shot for Kit.

“I’m going to quit playing with you if you keep winning,” Max complained as they returned to the street.

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