Jojo Arias, a Spanish-Filipino mestizo, didn’t expect to meet a U.S. Marine in a tony bar in the Philippines. But, Jojo can’t deny the electricity they have once he meets Adam.<br><br>Although they come from different worlds, they struggle to keep their relationship private to protect Jojo’s status and position as an heir to one of the wealthiest and powerful families in Filipino society. Billions of dollars could be easily lost if his family business is jeopardized by Jojo’s secret love affair.<br><br>Because of his standing in society, Jojo is pressured to abandon Adam and live a life in the closet. But he doesn’t want to leave the man he loves. As he struggles to maintain their secret romance, things begin to unravel and Jojo has to make a life-changing decision. Should he choose to stay with his family, or does he have the courage to pursue the love of his life?

Under the Jasmine Flowers

And Jojo thought about all this as he watched Manny, who was now sitting outside, on a bench, holding his to-go food, waiting for the hotel shuttle to take him down to the transfer area, where he would probably take a jeepney or tricycle home since owning and maintaining a car was still something for the small middle class, and not something that everyone in the Philippines could afford.


Jojo caught up with Adam, who was under an umbrella by the pool. His heart raced as he took measure of the man he had fallen in love with: sunglasses poised on his nose, his dirty blond hair in a crew cut, a body to die for, a mid-thigh pair of trunks that had to be new, and bought only for the weekend and for Jojo’s benefit, and a two-day old beard that Adam would have to shave when he reported for duty. He was drinking beer when Adam sat next to his lounger. Perspiration glistened across Adam’s blond, slightly hairy chest.


Chapter 62