neighborlycard6: Cheryl and Ashley Cole's secret holiday

They've been kissing openly and are planning a trip to the tropics

Cheryl and Ashley Cole | Pictures | Separated | Now magazine

Cheryl and Ashley Cole divorced in September 2010

Cheryl Cole may be hiding from the rest of the world, but there's one person she's been talking to for weeks: ex-hubby Ashley.

In fact, Now's insider says the couple are so loved-up again that the seemingly reformed love rat has rarely left his shell-shocked ex's side since her dramatic exit from the US X Factor last month.

Although Ashley, 30, flew to LA last week for a long-planned trip with his friends - and was snapped with a mystery brunette - behind the scenes he and Cheryl, 27, have been organising a secret holiday ?to get away from it all' and celebrate her 28th birthday at the end of the month.

?He's going to make it a trip she'll never forget,' reveals our source.

?He's planning every detail, down to the 1,000-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets in what he intends to be the most luxurious suite.

?His LA trip with the lads had been planned for ages and he wanted her to join him, but she couldn't face going back there so soon after the X Factor fiasco.

'She told him to go and enjoy himself, but it wouldn't surprise me if they bring forward their holiday plans and meet up somewhere like the Maldives after his LA sojourn.'

Read the full story about Cheryl and Ashley Cole in Now magazine dated 20 June - out tomorrow!

Now cover 20 June 2011