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

“Have you ever thought about living in the U.S., Erwin?”


Erwin shook his head. In the rearview mirror, his eyes were wet. Jojo looked away. He didn’t want to see Erwin this way.


“I’m not going away forever. I want you to come live with me in California. You and Janeth and the sisters.”


Erwin nodded, too choked up to say anything. When they approached the departure area of the airport, Erwin got out of the Lexus, and blew his nose on a napkin.


Jojo stepped out of the SUV, dropped the checks in the front passenger seat, took out the luggage, and then hugged Erwin.


“You are the son we never had,” Erwin blurted out, still crying.


“You are not supposed to cry,” Jojo said, wiping his own tears with the back of his hand. “This is why I didn’t want to tell Janeth. If I knew you would be crying so much, I would have asked Janeth to drive.”


“Then you’d never get here. She drives like a turtle.” Erwin laughed through the tears.


Chapter 74