You bewitch me, body, soul, and ears...

Dearest Knight-in-Orange-Apple-Store-Shirt,

Tonight you gave me a kind of pleasure I have never before known, all without charging a cent.

I always knew that Apple guys spelled out true love for me--cute, smart, employed, and a bit on the nerdy side. A heart-melting combination. So when I walked into the Apple store tonight with my broken earphones, I just knew there was magic waiting to happen. As soon as you saw the desperation in my eyes, you walked right up to me and delivered a line that, although used a million times before, made me weak in the knees. Can I help you? Oh boy, can you ever!

I explained that I had bought myself a beautiful new iPod just four months ago, and already the left ear-bud has blown-out. I couldn't have taken better care of it had it been our own child I was so willing to create. With no hidden feelings of guilt or neglect, I sweetly asked if the headphones were included in the one-year warranty. Your words melted into my ears like warm caramel, Let me ask my manager.

When you came back, you explained that I had to have one of the technicians look at the headphones before you could do anything. I smiled and gave you a look somewhere between thank-you-for-all-your-help and I-can't-afford-new-ones, You know, it's just that I spent more than $250 on this and the headphones busted already! You gave me an understanding grin and your eyes met mine. Our gaze locked, and time stood still. Before anyone could spoil it for us, you walked away again and went into the back room, quickly emerging again to talk quietly with one of the technicians. I looked away, trying not to let the connection between us snap from premature intensity. Unfazed, you walked coolly back to me.

Come over here, you said. I was intruiged. Why couldn't you talk to me with other people around? I should have guessed that you were about to give me the greatest pleasure I had ever experienced. You stepped closer to me, whispering softly. The reason I wanted to talk to you over here, my heart pounded in my chest, was so I could give you this. Shhh! I looked down. Your hand touched mine, only for an instant, but it was enough. You left me with a burning in my heart and a small, tightly wrapped set of new earphones in my hand.

I know that you aren't the magazine-cover definition of handsome. You're kind of on the short side, and I usually go for the tall studs. But you are employed, you are charming, you are willing to help me, and you got me free headphones under the table. (Oh, what we could have done with a table...)

I guess what I want to say is thank you for an evening filled with Apple affection, softly-spoken secrets, and free replacement headphones.

My life will never be the same since you exploded into my heart.

Love always,
A.M.H.