The start of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire means Wes can finally get back to his seasonal job and distract himself from his recent messy break-up. There’s plenty for him to think about at the Faire, such as his role as a wandering flower merchant, the overwhelming August heat, and Carlo, who plays a handsome knight.<br><br>Carlo is the exact opposite of Wes’s ex, Phillip, who won’t let their relationship die easily. The young knight is sweet and caring and chivalrous, but Wes has sworn to himself he’s not ready to jump back into dating yet.<br><br>When Carlo collapses off his horse during a joust, Wes has to confront his own feelings for his new friend, as well as Phillip’s constant attempts to win him back.

Heat Wave: Manheim

Maybe I should ask him tips on how to handle Phillip, Wes thought. Once again, his phone was turned off, be he kept it in his sporran in case of an emergency. Usually he used it as a watch, but the event schedule kept the time for him well enough.


After the joust, Wes stuck around as usual to catch the departing crowd. The “bad” knights were the first ones out this time, and Wes found himself concerned that something had happened to Carlo or Robert. His feared were laid to rest when the good knights appeared, Robert daubing his forehead with an embroidered handkerchief.


“Hot enough for you, Sir Wallace?” Sir Rowland said with a sneer. “Or is it the thought of facing me in a battle to the death that has you sweating?”


“Learn to mind your elders, knave,” Sir Wallace replied, not a trace of hostility in his voice. “Should you survive the evening, such a virtue would serve you well.”


Chapter 9