Free The Seven: A Taste for Jazz: Book 3 of The Seven series by Ciana Stone Page B

know about my work?"
    "Nothing! Hell, I don't even understand it. All I know is what I saw — a future that's as close to a nightmare as possible. A future no one wants. So whether you believe me or not, you have to make this invention or process or whatever the hell it is work. And I have to make sure that no one tries to stop you."
    He surprised her by shifting and placing his free hand on the side of her face. "And you'd give up your life and career and all you love for that?"
    Jazz had not considered it in that light but his question forced her to take a hard look at what he was asking. Part of her wanted to say the hell with it. Florida wasn't her home. Sure, she'd seen this as an easy gig, have some fun, live in luxury and play bodyguard. Piece of cake. At least that was her initial reaction.
    Now she saw it for what it was. She'd have to give up her entire life, devote herself only to his protection to ensure he was safe to do his work. What kind of life did that spell for her? She had no doubt there was chemistry between the two of them. That was a given. And yes, she had feelings for him. Feelings that grew stronger each day. But what of his feelings? What if he decided that all he wanted from her was fun and games? Could she devote her life to guarding a man who had no real feelings for her?
    She looked into his eyes, searching them for answers. And was rewarded with an epiphany. It didn't matter what he felt for her. It didn't even matter that she was already falling in love with him. All that mattered was that she keep him safe and prevent the horror she'd seen as mankind's possible destiny. For once in her life, it wasn't about her. It was about something bigger.
    "Yes."
    Rock searched her eyes. He could detect no dishonesty or deceit. What he could detect was something that shook him far more. He saw love shining in her eyes. Love and loyalty and absolute commitment.
    "Jazz...I...damn, I don't know quite what to think about any of this."
    "Look, I know there's no proof, no data to measure or analyze—but that's not true. Think about it, Rock. Based on all your knowledge and understanding, let's say the world continues just as it is now. Where do you think we'll be in a hundred years? Or even fifty? Is what I saw so far from possible?"
    Her question hit the nail on the head. His mind went immediately into analytical mode. Being blessed with eidetic memory, his mind could quickly sift through the volumes of material he'd read and extrapolate conjectures based on the data stored in his mind.
    Rock was unaware of the vacant expression that came over his face, or the words he mumbled. "Global dimming...destabilization of climate...acidification...shutdown of thermohaline circulation...oceanic anoxia...glacier retreat...photorespiration inhibition..."
    It wasn't until Jazz was sitting on top of him, straddling his body and shaking him that his mind returned to reality. "Huh? What are you doing?"
    "Trying to snap you out of whatever the heck kind of...trance you were in."
    "Trance?"
    "Well whatever. You've been sitting there for five minutes like a zombie mumbling things about destabilization and photo-something inhibition and...stuff."
    Rock couldn't hold back a smile at her reply and the way she waved her arms around, as if her motions were filling in the words she couldn't remember.
    "What's so funny?"
    "Nothing. I'm sorry. And you're right. Based on the current status of the planet, in one hundred years, if left unchecked, man could be faced with a dismal future."
    "See? I'm right. And Stanzia's right. You have to finish your research and develop this..." She lost her excited animation and frowned. "Just exactly what is it you're working on anyway?"
    "An affordable and efficient hydrogen fuel cell."
    "Which means?"
    "Eliminating the dependence on fossil fuels."
    "Entirely?"
    "If I can make it work."
    Jazz stared at him wide-eyed. "You can do that?"
    Rock smiled. "I think so. Yes."
    She surprised him by jumping up