The California sun was blazing overhead, the sound of waves crashing mixing with laughter and chatter all around. Joshua Karty, kicker for the Los Angeles Rams, walked along the soft sand in a loose t-shirt and shorts, his sunglasses perched on his face. Beside him was Bella Ganocy, his girlfriend, and she looked like she had stepped out of a summer magazine—sun-kissed skin, messy beach hair, and that bright smile that always got him.
They had been walking for a while, and Bella suddenly stopped, letting out a dramatic sigh. “Josh…”
He glanced over. “What’s wrong?”
She lifted one foot, brushing sand off her ankle. “My feet hurt. We’ve been walking forever.”
Joshua chuckled. “It’s a beach, Bella. That’s kind of the point.”
She pouted, her lower lip sticking out in that way she knew melted him. “Yeah, but my sandals are not it right now. And the sand is burning.”
He smirked. “So… what do you want me to do about it?”
Bella grinned mischievously. “Carry me.”
Joshua raised a brow behind his sunglasses. “You’re serious?”
“Completely serious.” She folded her arms. “Come on, big strong NFL player. This is your moment.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.” But before she could protest again, Joshua bent down, swooped her up bridal-style, and started walking toward the shoreline.
Bella squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh my gosh, you actually did it!”
“Yeah, well,” he said, smirking as he adjusted his grip on her. “Can’t have my girl burning her feet on the sand. Plus, this gives everyone a free show of how strong I am.”
“Wow,” she teased, resting her head against his shoulder. “So humble.”
As they reached a quieter spot near the water, Joshua set her down gently on a beach towel. Bella leaned back on her hands, smiling up at him. “You know, you’re kind of the best.”
“I know,” he said with a wink, dropping down next to her. “But don’t get used to me carrying you everywhere.”
Bella laughed, leaning into his side as the waves rolled in. “Oh, don’t worry. Next time, you can just piggyback me.”