The 'Fight For This Love' singer was said to be "deep in conversation" with Usher during her recent stay at Hollywood's Sunset Marquis hotel, reports The Daily Star. "The pair were locked in chats for a long while, making notes and talking about music. Both looked really comfortable in each other's company but appeared to be working hard on a secret project," a source told the publication.
"Usher was surrounded by his entourage while perched at the terrace bar but he soon ditched his crew to go and sit in private with Cheryl. He was flirting with her but this is Usher - he's known for being a smooth ladies' man."
Cole is also said to have been so impressed by Usher that she took a photo of herself with him on her cell phone, which she later texted to ex-husband Ashley. She was recently said to be considering flying back to the UK to celebrate what would have been her fifth wedding anniversary with Ashley last month.
Several insiders have claimed that she has cut all ties with Ashley and had begun working with former X Factor boss Simon Cowell again. However, others have said that she wishes that she had never split from the Premiership footballer and was considering getting re-married to him.