Reese Witherspoon's public date

Feb 25, 2010, 16:33 GMT

Reese Witherspoon has been spotted in public with her rumoured new boyfriend.

The actress - whose three-year relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal ended in December - was pictured smiling as she got into a car with Hollywood agent Jim Toth last night (24.02.10), but promptly covered her face as she realised they had been spotted by photographers.

The 33-year-old star - who has children Ava, ten, and six-year-old Deacon with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe - was seen out two weeks ago with Jim at Locanda Portofino restaurant in Los Angeles, but are believed to have been on "at least ten" low-key dates prior to their public outing.

Onlookers said the pair were "very flirtatious" and "very happy" during the meal.

A source said: "They were very flirtatious throughout dinner. They were having a lot of fun, totally getting along and laughing and talking the whole dinner. Reese seemed very happy. The mood was upbeat and really good.

"As they left, Reese reached around his neck and pulled him close for a hug. They kissed bye on the cheek - but it was a very friendly goodbye."

Friends say Jim is ready to settle down but is not placing any pressure on Reese as he knows she's recently come out of a serious relationship.

One said: "He's reassessed his life. He suffered a loss last year -the death of his father - and Jim feels it's time to settle down. He's definitely grown up from his younger days as a cocky agent."