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

Wes narrowed his eyes, then glanced over Phillip’s shoulder to Carlo, who stood outside the pirate ship with a confused expression. Turning back to Phillip, Wes said in his work accent, “What is it, Phillip?”


Phillip’s smile faded slightly. “That’s it? I make the effort to come back a couple days early so I can surprise you at work, and all you say is, ‘What is it’?”


“I really don’t have time for this.”


Phillip waved his hand. “Oh, drop the fake British accent. You don’t have to talk like that to me.”


“Phillip, you know we’re required to be in character from eight in the morning until the Faire closes.”


“But it’s not like they would fire you for speaking normally for a little bit, right? Especially to your boyfriend.”


Chapter 21