AceShowbiz -

Why is Josh Duhamel keeping his relationship with Eiza Gonzalez private despite him being "head over heels" for her? A new report has emerged, claiming that Josh decides to keep their romance hush-hush out of respect for his ex-wife, Stacy Ferguson a.k.a. Fergie.

An insider tells Entertainment Tonight that the "Safe Haven" actor "actually fell for Eiza about six months ago and asked a mutual friend to introduce them." The insider adds, "They had secretly been talking for months. Josh is head over heels for Eiza, but he felt guilty that he had feelings for another woman so quickly and he wants to be respectful to Fergie so he has kept this relationship very, very private."

The insider later insists that Josh didn't start dating Eiza before he and Fergie announced their split. "He and Fergie had announced their separation before he started seeing Eiza," the source says. "This couple has worked to separate amicably and so far it seems to be working. Josh is ready to move on and he seems very smitten with Eiza."

"Josh is a very good man and wants to be respectful to the mother of his son," the source continued. "He wants to make sure Fergie knows he supports her life and her future... He is being so loving and respectful to Fergie and making sure she knows he is there for her."

Rumors of Josh and Eiza's relationship first sparked last month, with an insider revealing that the 45-year-old actor started dating the "Baby Driver" actress after meeting at a party. "They drank and partied together until very late," so the insider noted. "After, Josh reached out to a mutual friend and asked for Eiza's number."

"They definitely have a connection because they've been FaceTiming and texting nonstop while she's been in England working," the source continued. "They're keeping it on the down-low. He's telling her he's never met anyone like her before."