It Happens In Threes, Denise Robbins

Seeking to escape her stalking ex-fiancé, savvy computer expert, Ruby Goodman, flees to her family's vacation home. Always a healing place, Florida is the best spot for her to reassemble the crumbling pieces of her personal and professional life in safety.

But somehow her high school sweetheart and first love, Michael Augustson, always appears when she least expects-but needs-him most. This time the only man she's ever truly loved needs her help to catch an international thief. But can she risk her life by becoming involved in his scheme? And does she dare to lay her heart on the line for a man who may disappear at any time?

Forced into some 'R and R', unflappable special operative, Michael, takes refuge in Florida where he runs into his old love, Ruby. Brilliant and a whiz with computers, Ruby is the answer to his prayers. He needs someone to crack the computer systems of an elusive money laundering thief. While working with her, Michael finds it a challenge to keep his distance from Ruby because he fears his passion for her may endanger both their lives.

The only way to keep Ruby safe is to keep her close. Is it because of the threat to her life? Or is it because the stubborn, independent and infuriating but passionate Ruby has become a threat to his heart?

Excerpt From IT HAPPENS IN THREES

A warning whisper in the back of her mind didn't stop Ruby

from pushing open her fiancé's bedroom door.



"Thomas? Where the..." Her voice broke off at the sight of

her fiancé under the covers, in a position that told her he

wasn't sick and he sure as heck wasn't alone.



Shock bolted her to the spot. Her stomach cramped. Ruby

wanted to heave. More than anything, she wanted to get the

hell out of there.



"I guess I should have made dinner for three."



Startled in mid-thrust, Thomas fell out of bed. Groping

around the floor for his pants, he hit his head on the

nightstand. "Shit."



Good
, she thought as she pivoted and ran from the room.



"Ruby, wait..."



"Go to hell!" she yelled back at him as she raced down the

stairs.



Before she reached the front door, Thomas grabbed her

arm and spun her around to face him. Rage shook her but

Ruby managed to shoot daggers at him until he released her

arm.



"What? What could you possibly say that would make me

feel any better? Don't give me some cliché about it not being

what it seemed. Do I look that
stupid to you?"



"Let me explain. You have to listen to me."



Stabbing a finger at his chest, she said, "No I don't, you

despicable, slimy, two-timer!"


"I'll fix it. You know we're perfect together, sweetheart. I

love you."



"But you don't love me enough to keep it in your pants!

How do I know you will once we're married?" She thumped

her palm against her head. "What the hell am I saying? Of

course you won't. If you're doing some bimbo now, you

couldn't possibly be faithful—ever! Once a louse, always a

louse."



"I needed ... I just needed..."



"It looks as if your need was taken care of, and since you

don't
need me," she set the paper bag down. "Here." She

struggled to get the engagement ring off before it burned and

branded her.



"Ruby, don't, please don't. You'll change your mind, I know

you will."



She stiffened, looked him straight in the eye, and kneed

him in the groin. Thomas screamed in pain, grabbed himself,

and fell like dead weight to his knees.



"While you're down there, here's your ring." Ruby ripped

the offending band off her finger and threw it at him.

She bent down, pulled the lasagna out of the bag and with

the aim of a Harlem Globe Trotter, dumped it over his head.



"There's your surprise dinner, you son of a bitch."


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