Rocked by Love

By Hayden Templar

 

Could Matteo be the one that hits all the right notes with rock star Bash?

 

Bash has basked in the spotlight of fame for most of his life. Yet, amidst global recognition, his deepest desire remains unfulfilled—to find a genuine partner to share his journey. As the curtains close on his worldwide tour, Bash stays on in Spain, for a much-needed rest.

In Madrid, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Matteo, the gorgeous Spaniard assigned to protect him. Together, they must navigate the complexities of Bash's hidden identity and embark on a quest for authentic love as their friendship evolves.

Will they triumph over the challenges of secrecy and Bash discovers the love he's been pining for or will his desire to protect his public reputation doom them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hayden Templar
• Release date: Jun 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223567936

Book preview

ONE

Bash

It’s over! Thank God it’s over.

The lights were dimmed as the last chord rang out through the arena. The crowd roared, their cheers echoing off the walls.

I was drenched in sweat, my guitar slung over my shoulder. I was the much-admired rocker, known only by a single name, Bash. I stood in front of the crowd and took my bows.

This was my third encore and the crowds wanted more still. My voice was raw, but I didn’t want to let them down.

I motioned for a bottle of water to someone backstage and in a flash, one was brought to me as I took a breather while the crowd went crazy.

They knew I would reward their chants with one more song. After toweling my forehead and guitar, l made a joke in passing about me being an old man in need of rest and the crowd screamed in protest.

Man, 35 feels so old I yelled into the crowd as l smiled. More protests. This was deliberate on my part. I needed the rest.

Once the echoes had died down, I launched into my biggest hit and soon the crowd was singing the lyrics with me, especially when l prodded them by turning the microphone towards them.

I gave it my all, and by the end, most were on their feet chanting, screaming and paying homage to me and the band.

At the end of the song, I said in a firm voice that we would do no more encores, after thanking them of course for coming out to see me.

I wouldn’t be here without you. I said in acknowledgement and once again was rewarded handsomely.

Calling out the band members brought them forward and each took their bow, the spotlight slowly dimming until it was just on me.

I took a deep bow and then threw my towel into the crowd and then ducked out while the crowd kept roaring.

Despite their screams, we did not come back out. They would have us doing that all night if they could.

The latest world tour had just finished, playing to packed houses night after night.

We had sold out arenas and stadiums all over the world. This last stop was in Madrid and l planned on a long rest after this.

As I walked offstage, my bandmates and crew surrounded me, still high from the amazing reception we’d had. There were congratulations all around.

Despite theirs, and the adulation from the crowds, I still felt empty inside. That feeling of loneliness that had been eating at me for months on end refused to abate.

I had tried to find secret love on the road, but the constant travel and career demands made it impossible.

Besides, I was carrying a big secret, one that could derail the career that l had spent years building.

I was Bash, the sexy stud bachelor who could have his pick of women.

There had been many that have tried to conquer me, actresses, singers, even athletes. Had any interested me, l wouldn’t be in this situation.

The fact of the matter was that I was only attracted to men. Unfortunately, according to my label, manager, producer, and the hordes of people who ran things, declaring my homosexuality would destroy me.

The world was not ready for my coming out party. They protested whenever I mentioned how no one had cared when some of the biggest iconic singers in the world had come out.

Hardly a big stretch for them considering the way they dressed, said my manager when l discussed it with him for the 77th time.

In the meantime, I went along with the beards they set me up with, smiled dutifully and pretended all was well in Bash land.

Now, as I sat alone in the humongous dressing room, I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever find someone who truly understood me and maybe, could even love me for what l was.

I thought back to the lyrics of my most recent worldwide hit song, Lonely Road to Me-Ville, and wondered if I had been singing about me all along.

It didn’t seem so when I had written the lyrics, but every time I sang it now, it hit home.

I picked up my favorite guitar, a signature one affectionately named Maddie, and began to strum a melancholic tune. The chords were dead simple, but they conveyed a depth of emotion that I couldn't put into words.

I thought about all the things I had sacrificed for my career. I had missed family birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries, all in my pursuit of fame and fortune.

Looking around at the empty room, it dawned on me that it had been a steep price for the success.

The sound of his guitar echoed in the space, a haunting melody that spoke of loss and longing.

The cacophony of noises from the outside had died down as the gear had been packed up and the workers disbanded until the next concert, the next tour.

Most had probably gone home to their families. As the last notes faded away, I set down the guitar and wiped away a tear.

I knew that I couldn't go on like this forever. A change was needed to fill the void in my life. It was one of the reasons I had requested that the last stop was in Spain.

I wanted nothing more than to recharge my batteries and figure out what l wanted for my future.

I sat alone with my thoughts and music until a knock on the door startled me.

Your car’s here, Bash It was Vince, my producer. A worrier by nature, he had wanted to stay with me in Madrid, but l had nixed that suggestion.