Paula Abdul Steps Out With Her New Beau

09/14/2005 at 04:00 PM EDT

Paula Abdul has a new man in her life: model Dante Spencer.

Spencer is 6'2", chiseled and at home on the dance floor – no wonder that from the second he met Abdul three months ago, his chances with the American Idol judge looked promising.

"We were salsa dancing in L.A. at a club called Mood on Hollywood Boulevard," says the 30-year-old model. "I saw her and went right up to her. Before I said one word, she turned around and said, 'Who are you?' And it's been great ever since."

Spencer, who attended the Sept. 6 British edition of the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London with Abdul, 43, confirms straight up that he and the Abdul are an item.

"It progressed slowly," he tells PEOPLE in the upcoming issue. "We've been dating for a month and a half."

Spencer has modeled for the likes of International Male and Portuguese Men's Health but lately has turned to acting, recently wrapping an independent film and currently looking for his next gig.

A rep for Abdul had no comment on the relationship, but Paula, a two-time divorcée, is due for a good love match. The only man she has been publicly linked with recently is Idol contestant Corey Clark, 25, who claimed that the two had a torrid three-month affair and that she coached him for the show. Abdul denied the allegations and a FOX investigation was closed in August due to "insufficient evidence."

"I'm ready for a relationship," Abdul told PEOPLE in May. "I'm in such a good place. . . . I'm looking for someone who wants to get to know me."