Black Lace [Internet Bonds Series Book 7] Read online

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  Whiskey Creek Press

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright ©2008 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  CONTENTS

  Published by

  Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  For your reading pleasure, we invite you to visit our web bookstore

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  INTERNET BONDS

  BOOK 7:

  BLACK LACE

  by

  Christy Poff

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Published by

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  Whiskey Creek Press

  PO Box 51052

  Casper, WY 82605-1052

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright © 2007 by Karen Morris

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN 978-1-60313-045-5

  Credits

  Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston

  Editor: Chere Gruver

  Printed in the United States of America

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  INTERNET BONDS #1: THE REBIRTH OF RACHEL

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid April 2005

  Rachel is looking for a man who'll love her for her though she wants more than the usual relationship.

  Rafe searches for a woman who he can love in his unique way.

  Can his dominance compel the rebirth of Rachel?

  INTERNET BONDS #2: BLACK HEART

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid June 2005

  Raven is cautious about who she's with.

  Kyle is looking for dominance.

  Will he find love in her black heart and give Raven her life back?

  INTERNET BONDS #3: CHARLOTTE MASTERED

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid August 2005

  Charlotte looks for the right man to control her.

  Simon seeks the prefect woman to share his life with.

  When Charlotte's mastered, what's next?

  EYES OF DARKNESS #1: DANTE'S FLAME

  Whiskey Creek Press October 2005

  A centuries old vampire is looking for love.

  A woman of today is looking for a love life.

  Together, can they ignite Dante's flame eternally?

  EYES OF DARKNESS #2: SPARK OF A WOLF

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid November 2005

  Sean deals with life altering changes while chasing a killer.

  Rhiannon can help him but he pushes her away.

  Together, can they light the spark of the wolf?

  EYES OF DARKNESS #3: LOVE HURTS

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid December 2005

  Madison Allcott loses love only to find it again in a dark gentleman.

  Galen Beaumont has hunted for five centuries for a woman to love.

  Will they find out love hurts or is the beginning of their eternal lives?

  ENTRANCED BY JASMYNE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid February 2006

  The Ardalan sheik needs American help to stop the take over of his country.

  Her assignment is to get the information to help him but she becomes personally involved.

  When he becomes entranced by Jasmyne, can they save his realm or will they die trying?

  CHASE FOR AN ANGEL—The HASTINGS SAGA #1

  Whiskey Creek Press March 2006

  A union officer faces the Civil War on many fronts.

  A Southern gem awaits his return but fights her own battle.

  Will his chase for an angel bring them loving happiness?

  INTERNET BONDS #4: MEMPHIS BELLE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid April 2006

  Belle lost her man to another's jealousy, remaining faithful to him until she meets perfection.

  Jaspar has everything a billionaire could want except the right woman to share it with.

  Will her past hurt their future or will he safeguard his Memphis Belle?

  HELLFIRE

  Whiskey Creek Press May 2006

  Shania made captain on her own.

  Mac found perfection in a feisty firefighter.

  Will the Purists stop them or will they ignite hellfire?

  INTERNET BONDS #5: DOCTOR HEAL THYSELF

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid June 2006

  What happens when a world renowned sex therapist needs help in her own life?

  Sheridan Greenlaw must delve into another side of her personality in order to answer her questions.

  Will Ross Beckham help the doctor ‘heal thyself'?

  THE SHADOW OF HER SMILE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid August 2006

  Laurell is desperate to save her birthright—Ravencroft.

  Cole, an international gambler, tries to help her while exacting his own revenge.

  Will the shadow of her smile be enough to keep them safe?

  BLUE VELVET

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid September 2006

  Ethan gave up on life until finding elegant beauty with a wild touch.

  Roni's secret wild side intrigues him.

  Will the past haunt their blue velvet love?

  EYES OF DARKNESS #4: RED FIRE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid October 2006

  Valeria learns there is more to life than she originally thought.

  Gabriel wants to live a quiet life out of the limelight.

  When their paths cross, will they be strong enough to survive a red fire?

  War in Darkness:

  ADDICTED TO CYN

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid December 2006 (w/Scarlet Love in Torrid Teaser #17)

  An angel of mercy tries to heal wounded soldiers.

  A devil's disciple must save her life.

  Will his addiction to Cyn be enough for both of them?

  SCARLET LOVE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid December 2006 (W/Addicted to Cyn in Torrid Teaser #17)

  She's fleeing Yankee soldiers.

  He comes to her rescue in more ways than she could imagi
ne.

  How much will their scarlet love heat up?

  AT CROSS ENDS

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid January 2007

  Mark Kincaid owes Graham Cross for two years of his life.

  Riley Devane winds up in the middle.

  How long will they be at cross ends?

  BLOW OUT

  Whiskey Creek Press February 2007

  Craig fights fires on a huge scale while trying to help save a colleague's company.

  Jennifer lives a sheltered life until she meets a man who ignites flames in her.

  Will the blow out from the past burn them or fuel their love?

  THE BEST OF CHRISTY POFF

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid (print) April 2007

  Rachel needs to redefine her life, finding Rafe the perfect man to help her.

  Melanie needs to redefine her love life though Dante has different long lasting plans.

  Jasmyne finds life in a different world, Yasir at her side.

  Love in different worlds is still one thing—love.

  INTERNET BONDS #6: THIS JUST IN...

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid June 2007

  When a television reporter does an expose on the BSDM scene, he angers many. He looks for answers to learn the truth but will he hold onto the one woman whose lifestyle makes him whole or will their enemies silence them before their life together gets started? This just in...

  DARK ILLUSIONS

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid August 2007

  A beautiful heiress with a wild side wants to enjoy life. Sephora meets the man of her dreams when Nigel Shelton walks into it from the shadows. Will their dark illusions give them what they need or will they be torn apart by greed?

  BIRD IN A GILDED CAGE: THE MYTH OF MIRABELLA

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid September 2007

  Mira lives on the edge of the fashion world in more ways than one.

  Max seeks a killer who paints his victims in 24K gold.

  Will Mira be his bird in a gilded cage before Max solves the case?

  THE JOYS OF LOVE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid November 2007

  Ryan and Kendall must fight a looming threat in order to find happiness.

  Cody and Savannah go up against the morals of 1927 Tennessee.

  Can they find the joys of love or will it be lost to them forever?

  LOST LOVE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid November 2007 in THE JOYS OF LOVE (TT #41)

  A Philadelphia cop on the biggest case of his career.

  His wife fears the future.

  Can a lost love be revived or will it be lost once more?

  LABOR OF LOVE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid November 2007 in The Joys of Love

  Savannah has lived alone for years, afraid of getting close to anyone.

  Cody comes to work for her but learns more than he intended.

  Will their labor of love prove she can find love?

  YULE LOVES: NOELLE'S ELF /HIS CHRISTMAS CAROLE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid December 2007

  NOELLE'S ELF

  Noelle wishes on a star for the perfect gift—a man.

  Dan tries his best to fulfill this for her.

  Will Noelle's elf make her dreams come true?

  HIS CHRISTMAS CAROLE

  Kris faced an unhappy holiday thanks to his ex-wife.

  Carole experienced the romance of Hawaii by herself for the same reason.

  Will he enjoy his Christmas Carole or will his past get in their way?

  DESIRES: DESIRES UNDER THE FALLS/DESIRE IN THE SNOW

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid January 2008

  DESIRE UNDER THE FALLS

  Having too many curves could destroy a career as Penelope learned.

  Having too many curves drove Thorne crazy.

  Could they find desire under the Falls?

  DESIRE IN THE SNOW

  Layla leaves Los Angeles for a short vacation heading for the mountains.

  Mac shares his life with Cash but is looking for a good woman to spend it with.

  Will undue forces create Desire in the Snow for this hot couple?

  INTERNET BONDS #7: BLACK LACE

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid March 2008

  Chelsea Strawbridge falls hard for a firefighter but she lives in a world that doesn't accept her desires. Reed Carrington fights fires and finds he ignites one in a society spitfire. Will another snuff that fire before black lace becomes his—totally?

  MASKED DESIRES a part of A TORRID CELEBRATION (WCP's anniversary anthology)

  Whiskey Creek Press Torrid March 2008

  Ava's invitation to the company's annual costume ball sends her reeling.

  Matthew wants to make her the one of his dreams.

  Will Mardi Gras’ masked desires bring these two together or hide the truth?

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Dedication

  My thanks to everyone who has been a part of this since the idea first came up and who are seeing it through with me.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Prologue

  Two women sat in a booth on the first floor of Engine 46, a restaurant where firefighters—both city and from the surrounding counties—hung out. They had a clear view of the bar and the front door, both women definitely on the prowl.

  They spent the evening sizing up the guys. Do you think he's good in bed? Would he be good to hit on?

  "I think he'd be good,” Jocilynne Sommersby observed, pointing at a guy leaning against the bar talking with several others.

  "He's married, Lynne,” Penny Dixon, her girlfriend, told her.

  "So?"

  "No! Marrieds are off-limits! Remember? Your rule..."

  "I can think about it.” Lynne pouted.

  "How about the guy next to him? He's kinda cute."

  "Ugh, I don't like his moustache."

  "You're way too picky."

  "I am not,” Lynne protested.

  "Yes, you are,” Penny argued. They'd been friends for years. Both grew up on the affluent Philadelphia Main Line, had gone to the same private school and then Bryn Mawr College. While Lynne had the looks, Penny had the common sense. Lynne's father had given her credit for keeping his daughter out of trouble over the years.

  "Okay, I dare you."

  "What?” Penny warily asked.

  "We find a guy..."

  "Unmarried,” Penny reminded her.

  "Okay, we find an unmarried guy—no, fireman—and..."

  "And what?"

  "Whoever's successful tonight wins."

  "Wins what?"

  "Lunch at Morimoto's."

  "You're on,” Penny said enthusiastically.

  "Start saving your money because you know I'll win."

  "Probably but it's something different to do."

  They laughed, ordered an appetizer and drinks then waited. Several groups came and went with no prospects before they ordered dinner and settled in for a long night. Jocilynne tipped the waiter to make sure they wouldn't be bothered for their table, the restaurant extremely popular. Their bet waged near seven, they'd yet to find anyone interesting by ten.

  "This could prove to be...” Penny began.

  "No, we're fine,” Jocilynne assured her.

  Half an hour later, three guys entered the restaurant and headed straight for the bar. Jocilynne smiled.

  "He's here."

  "Who? Where?"

  "My date for the night,” Jocilynne said. “New group, center bar—he's got the cute ass and he's on the right."

  "I like his eyes."

  "He's hot."

  "His friends aren't too bad either. I see possibilities."

  They watched the men for a bit before Jocilynne made her move. Penny watched, shaking her head. Moments later, Jocilynne led two of the firefighters over to their table. With them came another round of drinks.

  "What about your friend?” Penny asked.

  "Married,” the one sitting next to her said.
“He gets one on the way home and calls it an early night."

  "Ah,” Penny said.

  "Well,” Jocilynne said, raising her drink. “Here's to tonight's fun."

  * * * *

  Reed Carrington, Dan Wheldon and Larry Fisher usually stopped by Engine 46 on their way home after their shifts at a nearby fire station. They liked the ambiance of the bar/restaurant and the opportunity to talk shop with other firefighters from the area.

  Reed and Dan enjoyed downtime with Larry Fisher, the only married guy on their shift.

  "Did you hear about the test results, Reed?” Fisher asked.

  "Yeah."

  "Congrats,” Fisher said, raising his glass to his friend. “Fourth's not too shabby."

  "Thanks,” Reed acknowledged, their glasses clinking. “How'd you do?"

  "Didn't take it—remember? With the wife pregnant, I..."

  "Congrats to you, Dad,” Dan said. “Captain's pay would go a long way to..."

  "Yeah, but I'm happy where I am and so is she."

  "I guess as long as you both agree on it..."

  "We do. She's happy with where I am. We heard one of the openings is up in the North East. She doesn't want me at that station."

  "I see—she likes cushy Center City."

  "You got it."

  "Well, unless one of the top three turns it down, I'll be waiting for the next round."

  "I heard Hornish might turn it down."

  "What? Why?” Reed asked.

  "From what I understand, he took the test on a dare. He didn't study at all and swears he's not ready for a station command."

  "Damn!” Reed cursed.

  "Here's to our new captain,” Dan saluted.

  "Hear, hear,” Fisher said.

  They laughed then downed their drinks. Fisher ordered the next round.

  "Yo, you're past your limit."

  "Special occasion,” Fisher said, grinning.

  "Hey, guys."

  "Hi,” Dan said to the leggy blonde who'd joined them.

  "My girlfriend and I wanted to know if you'd like to join us."

  "I can't,” Larry said, quickly begging out then finishing his drink and paying the tab. “Got the little woman waiting.” He stood up, shook Reed's hand then Dan's and left.

  "Well?” she asked, running her hand along Reed's shoulder.

  "Sure, why not?” Reed said, Dan agreeing. They picked up their drinks plus the next round and followed her to the booth where her girlfriend waited, both getting an eyeful of long legs and a short skirt. Dan slid in next to the one seated at the table while the blonde made sure Reed sat down and slid over to make room for her on the banquette seat. She slid in beside him, making sure to sit as close to him as possible. Reed began to wonder if this was a good idea but it seemed a little late for any hesitation.