The English pop star and the American dancer dined at Houston's today in Century City.

Cole, 26, has worked with Hough, 24, on various projects together including her new music video for the single Parachute.

So, just work buddies??? Or is something going on between these two on the heels of Cheryl's hubby's cheating scandal back home? Tiger's not the only athlete with a wandering eye ... Cole's husband Ashley, who plays for Chelsea back in the UK, has been accused of having an affair with his secretary after sending the assistant a string of X-rated text messages.



Since Cheryl arrived in LA on Wednesday, she has been without her wedding ring. The singer has been in and out of the recording studio and has been spending time with Hough -- the couple hit up Katsuya last night after taking in Valentine's Day at the Arclight Theater.

Hough dated his Dancing With The Stars partner Shannon Elizabeth after meeting her on the show but the couple broke up last August.

So are Derek and Cheryl now an item? Wonder what Ashley has to say about this! Cheryl certainly didn't have much to say -- check the video!