My proper southern belle mama might disagree, but I say I was born to be a rebel. From the second I got my hands on a pair of drumsticks, my future was sealed. I never fit in anyway, not with my rocker soul and curves that never take a day off.

But what’s a drummer without a band? Oh, that’s right. A cocktail waitress.

That is, until the chance of a lifetime falls into my lap—Unrequited needs a drummer, and I happen to have an ‘in’ with the band.

The only trouble is, Santiago Garza, Unrequited’s broody, scowly bassist, doesn’t want me in his band, which is kind of funny, considering he was the one who took my heart and stomped all over it five years ago.

My career is far more important than hurt feelings though, so Santiago can suck it up and deal. That’s what I’m doing, no matter how many times I remember the feel of his lips on mine. I won’t fall for him this time. I’m done being anyone’s second choice.

I know rock stars. I grew up in the business, and now I make a living managing their tours. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Lots and lots of ugly.

All that ugly is why I’ve sworn off dating rockers, but sleeping with them, well…I’ve been known to make the occasional exception.

One sultry night in Vegas, Mo Aronson, lead singer of Unrequited, becomes one of those exceptions. We dance, we connect, we…get married.

That wasn’t in the cards. And the positive pregnancy test a few weeks later really wasn’t in the cards.

Despite the shock, I think I can handle becoming a mom. What I’m not sure I can handle is the younger, bad boy rocker who won’t back down no matter how many times I push him away.

Everyone loves Alex Murray.

I’m not everyone.

My history with Alex goes way back. Back to before the fame and groupies and wild tours. Before he was the lead guitarist for Unrequited. We’ve known each other for a decade and have been at odds for a good portion of it.

When I need Alex’s help, he jumps in with both feet, volunteering to be my fake boyfriend at an old friend’s out-of-town wedding. 

Where my ex-boyfriend will be. The man I thought I’d marry one day.

I’m going to the wedding for closure, but what I didn’t count on is how my eyes are opened to who Alex Murray really is. Or that the act we’re putting on isn’t an act at all.