Cause of Doubt (Hamilton Brothers #3)
Chapter 1
Chapter One
Parker
“Wow. I’ve never been here before. This is nice.” Nadine smiled as we sat on the patio of Four Kinds.
“The food and staff are excellent.” I opened the menu.
“Parker Hamilton,” Sebastian walked over. “I thought that was you.”
I stood, and we hugged.
“It’s good to see you, Sebastian.”
“Who is this lovely woman?” he asked.
“This is Nadine. Nadine, this is Sebastian Kind. He’s the owner of this fine establishment.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Sebastian.”
“You as well, Nadine.”
She picked up her knife and spread some cherry butter onto a slice of freshly baked bread.
“Oh, my God!” She spat the bread out on her plate. Furrowing my brows, I stared at her. “This is the most disgusting butter I’ve ever had.”
“I’m so sorry.” I mouthed to Sebastian.
“I’ll go get you some plain butter,” he said, walking away.
“That wasn’t very nice, Nadine.” I picked up my scotch.
“Well, it is. Who the hell likes cherry butter?”
“Everyone in the state of California besides you,” I spoke with irritation.
Nadine was an attractive woman, and it was our first date. Needless to say, it was also our last.
“Doubtful,” she said, tipping her wine glass to her lips.
“You didn’t have to announce that in front of Sebastian. And you didn’t have to spit your bread out in front of the entire restaurant.”
“Parker?”
I glanced over and saw the moms walking over to the table. Standing up, I hugged them.
“What are you three doing here?” I asked.
“Having dinner. I’ve been craving Sebastian’s cherry butter.” Pippa smiled.
“Who is this?” Katherine grinned.
“Nadine, these beautiful women are my mothers. This is Katherine, Calista, and Pippa.”
“Oh? Are the three of you lesbians?” Nadine asked.
“No.” Katherine’s brows furrowed.
“You’ve got some serious crows’ feet,” Nadine said to Calista. “I have the perfect eye cream that can help with that.”
“Excuse me?” Calista’s brow arched.
“Just saying. You could use some help in that area.”
“Why you little—” Calista said and lunged forward. Katherine held her back.
“It was great to see you three. I’m sure you want to eat.”
“We’re going to have a chat later,” Pippa said, shaking her head at me.
As they walked away, I sat down and sighed, staring at Nadine.
“Three moms? That’s just weird,” Nadine said. “I can’t stand having one mother, let alone three.”
“We’re very close,” I said.
“So, you’re a mama’s boy?”
Narrowing my left eye, I stared at her for a moment. “Yes, I’m one hundred percent a mama’s boy,” I lied.
“I feel sorry for you then,” she said. “There’s nothing less attractive than a grown man who can’t make a decision without calling mommy first.”
I was willing to play along.
“And what exactly is wrong with respecting your mother’s opinion?” I asked.
Nadine sighed. “Respect is one thing. But when you’re in your thirties and still asking your mom which shirt to wear on a date? That’s pathetic, Parker.”
“The only thing that’s pathetic is you,” I said. “But thank you for showing your true colors on our first date.” I stood up, pulled my wallet from my pocket, removed some cash, and threw it on the table. “Your drink is on me. If you want dinner, you’ll have to pay for it yourself. I’m out of here.”
“Wow. You’re truly an asshole,” she said.
“The one and only.” I grinned. “Goodbye, Nadine.”
I walked over to where my moms sat and kissed each of their cheeks.
“I’m out of here,” I said.
“Good boy.” Pippa smiled. “That wretched little bitch was about to get her ass kicked.”
“Why can’t you find someone special?” Katherine asked.
“Exactly, Parker. Just like your brothers did,” Calista said.
“I’m not looking to find anyone. You three know that. I’m heading over to Harrison’s. I’ll talk to you three later.”
I stepped into Harrison’s and saw Roman, Morgan, Julian, and Laurel sitting at a table.
“I didn’t know you guys were coming here tonight?” I walked over.
“What are you doing here?” Roman’s brows furrowed. “I thought you were on a date?”
“I was. We didn’t make it past drinks. The moms were there. Who’s watching your kids?” I asked, taking a seat.
“Dad and Love,” Julian said.
“So, what was so bad about your date?” Morgan asked.
“First, she insulted Sebastian’s cherry butter in front of him. Then she asked the moms if they were lesbians. Then she told Calista she had severe crow's feet and that she had eye cream that could help. But the final nail in the coffin was when she asked me if I was a mama’s boy.”
All four of them burst out into laughter.
“Shit. Calista didn’t punch her?” Julian asked.
“She tried. Katherine held her back. I’m going up to the bar. Do you need anything?”
“We’re all set, bro,” Roman said.
I walked up and instantly noticed a beautiful woman sitting by herself. Her long, dark hair cascaded over one shoulder as she stirred her martini with a thin straw.
“Hey, Parker. What can I get you?”
“Hey, Bart. Scotch. Make it a double.”
There was something about the mysterious woman sitting alone that piqued my curiosity—a pull that went way beyond attraction.
“Hi. I’m Parker.” I smiled, extending my hand.
“Paige. Not interested.”
“Okay, then.” I grabbed my scotch from the bar and went back to the table. This night couldn’t end fast enough.
“Who was that woman?” Julian asked.
“She’s beautiful.” Laurel smiled.
“She said her name is Paige and she’s not interested.” I tipped the glass to my lips.
Roman reached over and hooked his arm around me. “Tonight just isn’t your night. Sorry, bro.”