Loved With Measures is a collection of passionate, heart-stopping one-shot romances that explore love in all its complexities-across age gaps, forbidden desires, dangerous liaisons, and unexpected encounters. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Mal...
In the bustling heart of the city, where the clamor of ambition and the rhythm of corporate life set the pace, Aaron Swane was a titan of industry. At forty, he was the charismatic CEO of SWANE INC., a business empire that bore his name and his relentless dedication. His reputation for professionalism and his aversion to office romances were as well-known as his sharp business acumen.
Yet, beneath the polished surface of his public persona lay a man yearning for something beyond the confines of his meticulously ordered life.
The summer evening of Evan Bull's birthday bash was an anomaly in Aaron's tightly controlled schedule. His best friend's celebration was an event he couldn't miss, despite his usual preference for work over social gatherings. Surrounded by the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation, Aaron's attention was caught by a young woman whose presence seemed to illuminate the room. She was Bailey Knights; a bakery owner whose vivacious spirit was as warm as the pastries she crafted.
Bailey, just twenty-three, had an air of effortless charm and confidence that set her apart. Her eyes sparkled with a zest for life, and her laughter was a melody that seemed to bring an extra sparkle to the evening.
Aaron observed her from a distance, his gaze lingering as she moved through the crowd with a natural ease he could never master. She wasn't just beautiful—she was magnetic.
Oblivious to his scrutiny, Bailey recounted a story to a small group, her hands moving animatedly. "And then—oh, you won't believe this—I dropped the entire tray of macarons right before a client! I just stood there, horrified, and you know what he did? He laughed! Said it was the best entertainment he'd had all week!"
The group chuckled, her joy infectious. Aaron smirked despite himself. Something was fascinating about a woman so at ease with her imperfections.
It wasn't long before Evan spotted Aaron sulking at the bar. "Oh no, you don't," he teased, draping an arm around his shoulder. "You're at a party. At least pretend to enjoy it."
"I'm here, aren't I?" Aaron deadpanned, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.
"True, but you're watching Bailey like a man who just realized he likes color in his life," Evan quipped before calling out, "Bailey! Come meet my best friend."
Aaron stiffened, but before he could protest, she was there, smiling up at him.
"You're Aaron Swane," she said, her voice teasing. "The one who makes the news sound boring whenever they talk about business."
He arched a brow. "I wasn't aware financial success had a dull reputation."
She tilted her head playfully. "It does when they use words like 'market expansion' and 'profit margins' instead of, you know, 'exciting bakery takeovers.'"
Despite himself, Aaron chuckled—a rare sight. "And what would you call your business?"
"Oh, my bakery is my heart and soul! 'Sweet Knights.' Get it? Like my last name?" She grinned. "We make the fluffiest croissants in the city. You should try one sometime, Mr. Swane."
He noted the challenge in her voice, the way she wasn't intimidated by his presence like most people were. She was light where he was a shadow, warmth where he was ice.
"Perhaps I will," he murmured, intrigued.
And that was how it began—like a delicate thread weaving its way into the fabric of his ordered world, slowly unraveling the walls he'd so carefully built.
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