It seems that former Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev has been spending much of her free time with Austin Stowell ( Whiplash, Dolphin Tale ), confirming ongoing rumors that the two have been falling for each other over recent months. As a matter of fact, Dobrev was spotted in Stowell’s company at the Hallmark Shoebox Relaunch in West Hollywood as recently as June 10.
Witnesses reported that Nina looked very comfortable with Austin and that Ms. Dobrev had said that she was “really enjoying” her move to Los Angeles, even though it was a big change from her life in Atlanta, Georgia. Sources added that Nina and Stowell were seen enjoying a kiss, possibly one of many.
“Nina looked very happy to have a night out with her new guy,” one source said. “They looked super comfortable and happy together.”
“She walked in with a few people including her new man. They stayed for the first comic and kissed three times while the performance happened. She was very affectionate with him and she was with other friends as well and she wasn’t afraid of being intimate around friends.”
The move to Los Angeles comes for Nina Dobrev, following a tearful goodbye to her Vampire Diaries family and the fans who have followed her throughout Ms. Dobrev’s six-year run as Elena Gilbert. At the time of her exit, Nina came forward to wish ex-boyfriend Ian Somerhalder the best with The Vampire Diaries and with his marriage to Nikki Reed.
“I’ve said this before, that we didn’t break up because anything bad happened or because there wasn’t love or friendship,” Dobrev said in an interview. “I love him and the friendship is still strong and I think he’s great and I care about him. And that didn’t change. Yes, we’re professional and that’s fine. We were friends long before we dated and we still are now.”
“When I heard about the wedding, I thought it was beautiful,” Ms. Dobrev added. “They look happy and I am happy, and so I don’t see why there should be a problem with that.”
Nina certainly seems to have moved on and it seems Austin Stowell is happy to be a part of Ms. Dobrev’s future. Several weeks ago, Austin and Nina joined a gathering of Ms. Dobrev’s friends for a charity dinner that benefited hostess Lauren Paul’s Kind Campaign.
Currently, Nina Dobrev is enjoying life in Los Angeles with no announced plans for any upcoming film projects.
[Featured image: Austin Stowell courtesy of Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Sports Spectacular; Nina Dobrev courtesy of Michael Buckner/Getty Images for SXSW]
