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Blake stepped aside and stayed out of the way.

For the next several minutes, he watched Gwen demonstrate how to create distance if someone approached too closely. She kept the movements simple, giving Devon time to practice each one before moving on.

At one point, Gwen positioned herself behind Devon and placed a hand on her shoulder. Blake noticed the immediate change in Devon’s posture.

Her shoulders stiffened, and she glanced back as Gwen pulled her hand away.

“You okay?” Gwen asked.

Devon nodded. “Yeah. Sorry. Just wasn’t expecting it.”

“We can skip this part for now, if you’d rather.”

“No.” Devon took another breath. “I’m good. I want to try.”

Blake stayed where he was and watched.

Every instinct he possessed urged him to cross the room and reassure her. But this wasn’t about him, and Devon didn’t need him hovering. She needed the chance to discover what she could do.

Gwen gave her a moment, then tried again. This time, Devon reacted as instructed. She turned toward the contact and stepped out of reach.

“Good.” Gwen nodded. “That’s exactly what I wanted.”

Devon blew out a breath. “Can we do it again?”

Gwen smiled. “Absolutely.”

Blake leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as they repeated the movement twice more. By the time Gwen called an end to the session, Devon looked exhausted.

And pleased with herself.

“Okay.” She bent forward, resting her hands on her knees. “I’m officially going to feel this tomorrow.”

“Probably,” Gwen agreed. “But you did great.”

“Lucas probably already has an ice pack filled and ready to go,” Blake teased. “The man’s nothing if not prepared.”

Devon laughed and accepted the towel the other woman handed her. “Seriously, Gwen. I really appreciate you doing this.”

“Anytime. And I mean that. If you want, we can work on a few more things later this week.”

“That would be awesome.”

Blake stepped closer. “Should I be worried?”

Devon gave him a sugary sweet smile. “Only if you make me mad.”

“Duly noted.”

Their gazes held a moment longer before he sent her a grin.

“You hungry?”

“Starving.” Her hand went to her flat belly. “But I’m also covered in sweat. Any chance we can run by your place so I can take a quick shower before we head to lunch?”

“Just use the ones here,” Gwen pointed her thumb toward the closed door at the back of the room. “They aren’t fancy, but they’re clean and private. There’s also soap, shampoo, and conditioner in there, too.”

Devon’s widening eyes turned his way. “You guys have showers here, too?”