Maya's POV

My eyes open to the familiar cabin decor, I still feel a lingering coldness throughout my body but I'm significantly warmer now that I'm back inside and tucked into the covers. I groggily take in my surroundings, though this room is identical to mine, I have a feeling that this isn't my cabin room.

I hear hushed whispers from around the corner, someone's talking near the bathroom.

"I just don't know why she would walk out there like that. You don't know Riley, my heart sank when I saw her slumped over on that bench like that."

"I know Lucas, I'm worried about her too, she's my best friend. It's clear to me now, that she loves you way more than I ever could. That's why she went out there-because she couldn't bear it."

"I felt the same way when I saw her cuddled up with Zay earlier though, it took everything in me not to stand up and bash his face in."

The groggy memories of Lucas' confession settle back in, me walking out of the lodge, the chill of the winter air drowning me in slumber. Even after remembering the tiring events, I still just wonder if Lucas and Riley are together. I force myself out of bed, and round the corner to see them standing in front of the bathroom. They both whip their heads in my direction and looks of worry cover their faces.

Lucas steps to me and moves the hair out of my face, his eyes travel over me, checking to see if I'm okay. I take his hand in mine, "I'm fine Lucas, just a little cold." I see Riley's face peek out from behind Lucas' broad shoulders, "Are you really okay Maya?"

I nod.

"Well, I'll leave you two alone then." She makes a move to leave but I stop her before she can and take her in a tight embrace. Riley pulls away and gives me a look of reassurance before sliding the room door open and slipping into the hallway.

I turn around to face Lucas again, his face still painted in worry. I step around him and make my way back to the bed, climbing under the covers once again but sitting up against the headboard this time. Lucas follows and takes a seat next to me.

My gaze ends up focusing on my lap instead of him. I'm afraid. Afraid of loving him, afraid of him loving me back, afraid of Riley loving him, I'm afraid of it all.

I can feel Lucas' gaze on me and I force myself to meet his eyes, "Maya I'm in love with you. I can't even express in words how much I love you, how much I need you to talk to me, tease me, annoy me, be with me. It's all confusing and simple at the same time, but I told Riley that I can't be with her, that I want to be with you. And I hope that's what you want too."

I can feel my eyes swell with tears-tears of joy. "I've wanted that since the day on the subway."

A bright smile comes across Lucas' face in response. I know whatever we end up being to each other isn't going to be easy, but it has to be great-because my love for him is the only thing keeping me together. Now that I can be with him, the world seems like it could be a brighter place.

I can see Lucas eye my lips, as I eye his. Slowly he leans in and closes the gap between us, placing a tender kiss on my lips. He pulls away and once again flashes me his bright southern smile.

"I love you Lucas Friar."

"Wow." He says in disbelief.

"What?"

"You called me Lucas."

"Shut up!" I playfully nudge at his shoulder and chuckle out a laugh as he does the same.

My face dawns with seriousness though, "I'm for real Lucas, you have my heart-please don't break it."

"I could never." He takes my face in his hands and places a kiss on my forehead. "I love you always."

I whisper softly back, "Always."

I hope always never ends.

A/N: And that's a wrap! I'm thinking of writing another short story for Lucaya that follows what happens after ski lodge, so if you want something like that just give this a review and let me know! Hope this was enjoyable for you all! Thanks for reading!