The 22-year-old 'RIP' hitmaker, who previously dated US reality TV star Rob Kardashian, is said to have enjoyed a string of dates with Gardner after they first met late last year, then really hit it off when they ran into one another at a party in February, reported Contactmusic.
"Rita and Dave seem to really like each other. She's told pals she could fall for him. They were very flirty the first time they met and this time the chemistry was electric," a source said.
"Dave is a breath of fresh air for Rita. He's incredibly stable and shuns the limelight. Rita's friends are hoping this could be the first love she's been hoping for, wile Dave's friends say they haven't seen him like this since Davinia. Now that Rita's in LA, she's counting down the days before she can come to the UK and see Dave again," the source added.