Raising her chin, she deliberately ignored him and approached the table with a huge sign announcing that she was in the presence of the renowned Madame Karma. After introducing herself, Lacey said, “I saw that you had a free moment and thought you might enjoy a snack.” She set her offerings-the cookie and the tea-on the corner of the brocade-covered table.

Madame Karma’s dark eyes sparkled. “Thank you, my dear. That’s very thoughtful.” She picked up the cookie, her expression turning amused at the confection, which looked like a side view of a woman’s curvy leg. The intricate frosting made it appear as if that curvy leg was encased in fishnet stockings and the dainty foot slipped into a sexy, red, high-heeled shoe.

“Wish my legs still looked like this,” Madame said with a sigh. “They used to-when I was your age.”

“I call that cookie For Your Thighs Only. It’s one of my bestsellers.”

Madame bit off the bright red shoe, then slowly chewed. After washing down the morsel with a sip of the tea, she said, “Absolutely delicious. How much do I owe you?”

“It’s on the house. I would have brought it out to you sooner, but it’s been crazy in the shop.”

“Well, if you won’t let me give you any money, you must allow me to read your fortune as payment for what is, without a doubt, the most delicious cookie I’ve ever eaten.” She shot Lacey a wink. “And believe me, I’ve eaten a lot of cookies over the years.”

“That sounds like a fair exchange.”

“Please, sit down,” Madame Karma said, indicating the chair opposite her with a wave of her heavily be-ringed fingers. After Lacey was settled in the chair, Madame leaned forward. Her sharp gaze seemed to penetrate directly into Lacey’s soul.