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

As they came to a clearing of rocks in water, dolphins dove in and out of water. “Maraming isda,” the boy on his shoulders said to Jojo, moving his hand to point.


“Yes, lots of fish,” interpreting what the boy said. They stood there in deep water for several minutes, allowing the boys to try to push each other off Adam or Jojo’s shoulders. But, when the water started coming over Jojo’s face, he told Adam, “I think high tide is coming in.”


“Okay, boys, let’s head back in to shallower water.” Adam and Jojo walked closer to the shoreline and when the water was shallow enough for the kids, they jumped off and laughed.


Adam laughed, too, for no apparent reason other than the kids were laughing. The boys sprayed water on Adam. Before they left to go home, the quieter of the two, the one who had been on Jojo’s shoulders, touched Adam’s hair. They giggled and ran away.


Chapter 64