Kristin Cavallari, 33, was spotted making out with Jeff Dye, 37, at a Chicago bar in October. Although the PDA came as a shock to fans, a source close to the reality star tells HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY that Kristin and the comedian have secretly been dating for a few months.
“Jeff and Kristin are having a great time but are still just getting to know each other,” explains our insider. “They’re enjoying each other’s company and seeing where it’s going. It’s now been a few months they’ve been dating and now that it’s public knowledge, Kristin can be a little more relaxed about things.”
The Very Cavallari star, who split from her husband, Jay Cutler, 37, seven months ago, initially tried to keep her new romance under wraps. “They weren’t planning on coming out with their relationship since it’s still new,” says our source, “but now that they’ve been caught it is what it is. They kept things quiet for awhile so things with the divorce quieted down and Kristin is feeling more relaxed about the relationship.”
Although Kristin has admitted to faking relationships for the sake of reality ratings when she appeared on MTV’s The Hills, our source insists her romance with Jeff is totally authentic. “It’s not staged or a publicity stunt following the divorce. It’s the real deal, but Kristin is taking it slow. They’ve spent a lot of time together especially over the last couple of weeks. They’ve been pretty inseparable as of recent and things don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. You can tell they’re both really happy to be together.”
Jeff, who appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has clearly captured Kristin’s attention. But, as HollywoodLife previously reported, her three kids, who she shares with her ex Jay, — Camden, 8, Jaxon, 6, and Saylor, 4, — are still her top priority.
“She’s taking things very slow because of the kids and the divorce. She doesn’t want to jeopardize her kids understanding of everything because they’re so young and what exactly this means to them, but she likes spending time with him,” shared our source.
Kristin has also been spending time with her ex Jay, as they try to navigate co-parenitng in 2020. They reunited for Halloween and even shared photo proof to Instagram.
And, as HollywoodLife previously reported the exes will continue to spend time together for the sake of their kids. “[Kristin] and Jay were able to put any differences aside on Halloween for the kids and are going to continue working together for future holidays,” a source close to the Uncommon James designer shared. “She wants them to be together when they can as a family, especially since this is the first holiday season they’ll be spending as a separated couple.”
While the couple’s split hasn’t been completely amicable, according to the source, they are determined to put on a united front for the sake of their kids. “Kristen and Jay will never be friends,” said but it’s all about the kids and that’s really the only reason they need to speak. They’re doing their best to keep their lives normal.”
