Switching Octaves — Ann Lister

Branson: I'm a guy who knows what he wants--whether it's a career goal or a man intriguing enough for me to give chase--once I have the prize in sight, I'm relentless in my pursuit. This has worked well for me over the years, more specifically, as the bass player of my band, Hard Core. I hear a bass line in anything the guys throw at me, then take those jumbled run of notes and turn it into something our fans will want to buy. I'm also a man who doesn't do messy or complicated, and I keep my emotions out of the game--until now. FDNY Lieutenant Sean Conley, one of New York's bravest, has ruined me for all others because I allowed myself to feel. Conley: I'm dedicated to putting my own safety aside and saving lives on a daily basis. Just don't ask me to be part of a concert crowd or I'll inevitably have a massive panic attack. Personal trauma pushed me into the closet and I was fine with this life--until rock star Branson Mink happened to cross my path at a fire scene. Worse yet, I think he knows what I'm hiding. Branson's hardly the type to be anyone's secret. Every aspect of his life plays out under the spotlight, while I prefer to keep mine hidden behind that closet door. I have always left parts of myself private, and now Branson has something to hide too. When our worst fears collide, I'm forced to put mine aside to save the man I love. Turns out, that was easy. The real challenge? Figuring out how to make this relationship work.