Music Playing:

Safe and Sound by Capital Cities

Titanium by David Guetta feat. Sia

Can't Hold Us by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Dark Horse by Katy Perry

CHAPTER 3

Clary was startled with the buzz on her phone. She looked at the clock on her dresser and read 5:50 a.m. She groaned and it was too early to get up. It was already Friday and despite the last day of the week to get to work, she felt lethargic. She tried to sleep but couldn't. She had another dream similar to the one she had a few nights back. She shook her head trying to forget the dream she had again.

She jumped off the bed and looked at her cellphone. There were calls and messages last night that she wasn't able to answer and read. She didn't feel like reading them because she assumed all of them were from Sebastian. He was supposed to make it up to her after winning her back. But he's just back to his old ways and cancelled few dates with her, always making up excuses. After all, she made a decision to forgive him and give it another try barely 3 weeks ago. She was wondering last night if she made the right decision of going back to Sebastian after their confrontation in her apartment. She felt a sudden ache in her heart when another image of a guy floated in her mind but she dismissed it. She knew it was pointless that he still crossed her mind. She clutched the phone and went downstairs and went to the kitchen. She doesn't feel like eating so she opened the fridge and took out a carton of milk and cereals.

She sighed and started to read the messages on her mobile phone. There were also 10 missed calls and all of them from Sebastian.

Sorry baby, I had a lot of work last night. I'll make it up to you. I love you. –Sebastian

Are you mad at me? Sorry babe, I won't cancel arrangements again. I love you. – Sebastian

Clary, I am boarding the plane to New York. I'll miss you my best friend. See you soon. – Simon

Clary was hesitant whether to reply to Sebastian's message. She made a mental note to send a message to Simon later.

How are you Clary? It's been a while since I last heard from you. Hope you're doing okay. Take care. – Jace

Clary almost dropped the milk carton on the floor. She shook her head and placed the milk on the table. She looked at her hands, the little ring with a diamond glistened on her finger.

Something warm gushed through her, making her cheeks flush; Jace. It has been 2 weeks since the last time she heard from him. She remembered his wavy blonde hair, his matching gold eyes and golden skin, angular yet subtle face. He's tall, lean and muscular and has that smile that can take one's breath away. She shuddered and tried to push away thoughts of him. He's just a friend nothing more. That's the only thing that she can offer him and he didn't have any problems with that the last time they talked.

She couldn't help but remember how she met Jace. He had saved her day when her car broke down. He kindly offered to drive her to an important meeting with Mr. Aldertree. She thought that after the meeting went well and the client confirmed that she got the project, somehow, Jace had been her lucky charm. She thought that was the end of it and that she would never see him again.

xxxxxxxxxx

FLASHBACK

Clary was in cloud nine when Mr. Aldertree agreed to the design she presented him. He even made an appointment with her to sign contract and made her the official interior designer of one of the biggest realty projects of the decade. She knew that it's going to be a start of something big for her. She stepped out of Hatfield's and smiled. She looked around and suddenly remembered the guy who had just saved the day for her.

Jace. She can still recall his face so clear. There was something about him that made her look away and feel shy. She brushed away the feeling that she couldn't describe. She should be realistic she knew she won't see him again. Clary suddenly looked at her finger. She can only see bare ring finger without a ring on it. Her engagement ring was not on it. Sebastian, she remembered and loneliness ran through her. Last month she was happily engaged to her long-time boyfriend Sebastian Verlac. Even her parents approved of him. But he broke her heart. Tears starting to form in her eyes, she looked up and inhaled to stop them from rushing out. She never thought Sebastian would kiss another woman, and to make matters worse, it was Seelie, her archenemy in high school who became a runaway model. Sebastian, who also was a model, met Seelie in one of their photo shoots. She can still recall how she saw them. Loneliness suddenly felt betrayal for Sebastian and anger towards Seelie. He tried to reason out to her that Seelie was the one who kissed him and he was about to push her when she accidentally saw them. But she was hurt and betrayed she didn't want to hear any of his explanations. How dare he after all the things she went through being with him.

She shrugged away the negative feeling. This is the night to celebrate. She may be heartbroken now but at least her hard work paid off. She might suck at relationship, but her career was starting to flourish.

She reached for her mobile phone and dialed her best friend's number.

"Simon!"

"Hey Clary, what's up?"

"Are you free tonight?" she asked feeling hopeful.

"Yeah, Maia's asking me to go with her at this new club. Want to go with us?"

"Sure! What time would you go there? I need to go home and change but I'll take a cab. My car broke down." She said while hailing a taxi cab.

"If you like, Maia and I can pick you up at 11 from your apartment?"

"That'll be great! See yah Simon. Bye!"

"Bye Clary!"

She shoved her mobile phone in her bag. She inhaled and exhaled and tried to brush everything away, from Sebastian's betrayal to her encounter with Jace.

Clary looked at her watch after getting down from the cab. Her watch read 10:00 p.m. She still has an hour to take a shower and dress up.

After taking a shower, she went to her closet and tried to find something nice to wear tonight. She rummaged her closet and grabbed a black halter dress which shows most of her back. Looking at the mirror, she noticed that it was a little short reaching her mid thighs. She chose her emerald green pumps and matching clutch bag. She pinned some of hair backwards letting others fall and frame her face. She did her makeup; she settled for smoked eyes which brought out the color of her eyes and light-shaded lipstick and gloss. She studied herself in the mirror and smiled. She's satisfied with what she saw.

Her cellphone rang showing Simon's name.

"Hi Simon! I am done." She said while picking her clutch bag.

"We're here," he replied.

"I am on my way out Si, see yah!" she hurriedly said and put the phone in her clutch bag.

Simon's eyes grew big when she saw Clary. "I am impressed Morgenstern. You looked stunning tonight. Doesn't seem like you're sulking after the…" Simon stopped himself before he ruins Clary's good mood.

She waved her hand dismissively. "I am fine Si, nothing to worry about. Hi Maia, good to see you," she said and greeted the lady beside Simon. She opened the car door at the backseat and slid inside.

Maia smiled at her. "Hi Clary, good to see you too. You really look beautiful, nice to see you smiling now."

Simon looked at the rearview mirror. He raised his eyebrow at her. "Well, this is the happiest I saw you since the Sebastian incident. It seems like you're not telling me something I need to know."

Clary smiled widely. "I got the project Simon. Mr. Aldertree and I would be meeting next Thursday for the contract signing." She cannot suppress the excitement in her voice.

"So happy for you Clary," Simon's eyes crinkled while smiling. "It's true when they say when a door closes two other will open. Congratulations!"

Maia looked behind and met Clary's eyes smiling at her. Clary smiled back.

Clary blushed. Out of nowhere she suddenly remembered Jace. She suddenly shut memories of him when Simon noticed there's a weird look on her face.

"There's something that you are not telling me now." He accusingly looked at Clary.

"Nah, nothing that would interest you," she tried to sound bored.

"Clarissa Morgenstern!" Simon exclaimed.

"Alright, alright, I'll tell you but don't make fun of me."

Clary told Simon about her encounter with Jace and that he was a lifesaver. She told Simon she thought that he brought luck on her after getting the project that she worked hard for to prepare.

"She's interested! Clary's got a little crush here!" Simon said mockingly.

"I told you not to make fuss out of it!" She exclaimed her face deep shade of red. "He was just nice, that's all. Sure he's gorgeous and good looking but I won't be seeing him again Simon. I don't even know his last name or his number!"

"So, given the chance earlier you will ask him for his last name and number?" Simon playfully questioned.

"I am still engaged you know! And even I am not talking to Sebastian we're still not through. I don't want to date or to be romantically involved with another guy," she sounded a little defensive.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever! I know you are still head over heels in love with Verlac." He glumly replied.

Clary kept quiet. She gazed outside and tried to ponder on what she felt about Sebastian. She shook her head. This night was for celebration and there's no room for loathing and misery.

"I don't know Simon," her voice was low. "I still don't know what am I going to do with Sebastian. But I want him to think over what we have, and for me to find out what I really wanted. Him kissing Seelie and me seeing it, maybe it's a sign that we should really reflect if this love is still something to fight for."

Simon's voice softened. "Let's forget about it tonight, okay? Sorry I brought it up. You should be happy. We should celebrate, there's something to look forward to.

They arrived at Pandemonium and a lot of people already stood in line. Simon, Maia and Clary got off the car and handed the car keys for valet. They patiently waited for their turn to go in.

When they got inside, they headed straight to the bar and ordered for drinks. Simon got a bottle of beer, Maia ordered for screwdriver and Clary had vodka martini.

Simon raised his beer, Clary and Maia did the same and clicked their drinks. "Congratulations to you Clary! Cheers," Simon downed his beer, while Maia and Clary took sip of their cocktails.

"Let's dance!" Maia invited Simon and Clary. They rushed on to the dance floor bumping bodies with the people who were already dancing. Safe and Sound by Capital Cities was playing on the background and they were dancing together Maia and Clary circling Simon who just swayed to the music. Maia and Simon were already facing each other and dancing together while Clary just swayed her hips and body to the beat. After a few songs, she stopped dancing and decided to get another round of cocktails for herself. She tapped Maia and Simon and mouthed I'll just go to the bar, and both of them nodded but didn't stop dancing.

Clary sat down on the stool of the bar and ordered another vodka martini. A lot of things ran again on her mind. Sebastian. He was calling her earlier when she was on her way to her meeting. She was inside Jace's car, and it was the nth time she didn't answer any of his calls. Jace. She closed her eyes and Jace's face popped again, his breathtaking smile and gorgeous eyes. She placed her hand on her head feeling a little lightheaded. She shouldn't be thinking about Sebastian, especially Jace, who she knew she won't be seeing again. She drank the rest of her drink.

She ordered another one and was about to stand up, when she noticed someone looking at her. She squinted and blinked thinking that her eyes were deceiving her. One stool away from her, a guy with gloriously blonde hair and mesmerizing tawny eyes was looking at her.

Am I hallucinating? She asked herself. Maybe I had enough drinks. She wondered.

She looked away and closed her eyes checking herself if she was still sober when a familiar voice spoke beside her.

"Clary?" The guy sounded unsure.

Clary turned her head to the guy who was now sitting beside him, tilted her head and gave him a half smile. She already knew who he was and chills ran up her spine.

"Jace?" She tried to hide the excitement in her voice. Whoa! Seriously Clary! She scolded herself.

Jace gave her a dashing smile. "What a coincidence to see you here. By the way, you looked gorgeous," he sounded delighted.

She felt her stomach doing cartwheels.

"Small world, huh?" Clary replied casually, trying not to sound heady.

Jace was staring at her face and his eyes dropped from her face to her body. Clary can feel her face going deep shade of red. She turned to her vodka and gulped the remaining contents.

"Did you go here by yourself or with your boyfriend?" Jace asked with a little hint of teasing when he mentioned the word boyfriend.

Clary froze and felt a little uncomfortable. She didn't know what to say about the boyfriend part of the question.

She was tracing the glass rim and looked at him sideways. "I came here with friends," she smiled sweetly.

Jace just looked at her a little longer that it made her feel shy and uncomfortable. She was about to order when Jace suddenly spoke.

"Can I get you anything? You still want one of that?" He asked gesturing at her empty glass.

She knew that she already had 5 shots but didn't refuse Jace's offer. "Sure, thanks." She coolly replied.

"One vodka for her and one rum for me," Jace told the bartender. He nodded and immediately handed their drinks.

"What brings you here?" Clary inquired trying to sound casual.

Jace swigged his rum. "I just wanted to have fun and relax tonight. I am here in Los Angeles for a business trip and before I stress myself with work I wanted to hangout since today's my free time."

"Oh, I see. Since you've mentioned business trip, where are you based?" Clary asked.

"I am from New York. Our family has businesses here in L.A. so I was just checking on those." Jace explained.

Clary just stared at him studying his features while he was talking. She was captivated by how good looking this guy is. His golden eyes would be something that you will be drowned in. He looked like an angel with a body of a model. She tried to distract herself from admiring Jace and the unexplained feeling he brought on her. Clary, stop it! She hissed.

"Where are your friends?" Jace asked which snapped Clary from her reverie.

Clary looked behind and saw Simon and Maia jumping up and down and they waved at her. Clary made a little wave back. "They are still dancing there," she motioned towards Simon and Maia's direction and Jace following her gaze.

"Looks like they're having a good time." He observed. Clary finished her drink and swung the stool she was sitting on and had a better view of Maia and Simon. Clary felt a little wobbly but she's not going to waste her time. She went here to have fun.

"Do you want to dance, Jace?" she purred. Her eyes got bigger and she was surprised of how her voice came out, she's kind of losing self control.

Jace grinned at her. "Sure," he offered his hand to her. Clary became a little embarrassed and she could not believe that she asked him to dance.

Clary dismissed being shy. Feeling a bit bolder, she swayed her hips and body to the sound of the music. Jace was looking at her, not sure if she's seeing admiration in his eyes. He made a little dance movements to match Clary's. He stared intently at her, unsure if it would be okay to her if he'll dance a little closer.

He leaned towards Clary and murmured asking for permission, "Is it okay if I put my arms around your waist?" His breath tickled her ear.

Clary's head was buzzing and she felt something warm boiling within her. Jace pulled his face away from her waiting for an answer.

Clary looked at Jace through her lashes, silently scolding herself for giving him that look and she nodded.

Jace wrapped both of his arms around Clary's waist which made his fingers reach on her back. Clary almost gasped at her body's reaction when she felt Jace's fingers on her bare back. She felt like electricity was running through. She became nervous feeling butterflies in her stomach.

Both of them swayed to the music of Katy Perry's Dark Horse. Their bodies pressed together and Clary shrugged of any inhibition to stop what she was doing. She placed her right hand on Jace's nape, while her left hand grazed his hip, and closed her eyes. The last chorus of the song blasted in the background.

So you wanna play with magic

Boy, you should know what you're falling for

Baby do you dare to do this?

Cause I'm coming at you like a dark horse

Are you ready for, ready for

A perfect storm, perfect storm

Cause once you're mine, once you're mine

There's no going back

Suddenly Sebastian face flashed on her mind which made her open her eyes. She slowly disentangled herself from Jace and smiled nervously. Yeah Clary, you feeling guilty about nothing. You just met Jace, she yelled at herself.

She stumbled a bit and Jace immediately held her so that she'll not fall.

"It must be the alcohol." She sheepishly remarked. Her face reddened more.

Jace looked at her and brushed some of her soaked hair from her face. Every time Jace's skin made contact on hers, there's always an electric and jolting feeling creeping through her. He was looking at her closely.

Clary saw Simon and Maia going back to the bar. She let out a sigh of relief knowing she can have an excuse to have a little distance from Jace.

"My friends are over there, let's join them." She loudly suggested though the last part of sounded like a question.

"Sure," Jace replied and followed right after Clary. They found two stools beside Simon and Maia.

"Simon, this is Jace. Jace this is Simon." Simon offered his hand for a hand shake. Jace shook Simon's hand.

"This is Maia. Maia, this Jace."

Maia and Jace gave each other a smile. Clary was looking at Simon and he was playfully grinning at her.

Simon cleared his throat. "What a small world, Jace, right? Clary told us about you earlier. Thanks for helping my best friend. Good to know there were still helpful people out there." He was looking at Clary who was shooting him dagger looks.

Jace gave a large smile looking from Simon to Clary. "Really, well, it's rude not to help a lady whose car broke down." He didn't remove his eyes from Clary.

"Good for Clary that you saw her there, she made it on time. You must be her lucky charm." Maia suddenly spoke and winked at Clary.

Clary felt like she's going to sink underneath the floor. Her friends were giving Jace an impression that she might be interested in him.

"This was just… a good… day for me, I guess." Clary stammered. What the heck! Why do I feel like my tongue's tied up, she questioned.

"This had been a good day for me too." Jace happily replied.

*end of flashback*

Clary was brought back to present. Many things were running through her mind, Sebastian, Jace, and she never felt more confused than before.

A/N

Sorry guys, I am having a little difficulty expressing character's gestures detail by detail. Still hope you have enjoyed this chapter.