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

If Carlo and I did date, would it only be during Faire season? We live an hour away from each other, but—Wait, last night I told myself I wasn’t interested in that yet. What’s wrong with me?


Wes rubbed one eye with the heel of his palm, then adjusted his basket on his arm so he could drink some water and keep walking. The heat made him sluggish. It was like being drunk and hungover at the same time. That, he told himself, was the reason he was acting like an idiot. His stomach twisted with chagrin at the memory of flashing Carlo, even if Carlo did sort of ask for it.


I might as well put on a jester hat and run into things for everyone’s entertainment,he thought bitterly. I would be making less of a fool of myself than I am now


Chapter 15