'We became good friends and a month later it is something different. I think it's part of the mystery of love,' told actress Penelope cruise to Mexican paper Reforma.

The friend in question is current co-star Matthew McConaughey, who has been spotted with the Spanish lady several times in the last few months. The two of them met and hooked on the set of 'Sahara', where the lovers play adventurers out to prevent an ecological catastrophe.

Until now, their relation had been kept low-profile. But Penelope, who previously dated international star Tom Cruise, knows you just can't hide your love live in Hollywood.

'I have no problems in recognising I have something with Matthew, because there's nothing to hide,' affirmed the actress, but also kept a measure of caution. But it is something I prefer not to talk about because it always ends up coming back against you.'

'Sahara', directed by Breck Eisner (TV's Taken), also co-stars Delroy Lindo, William H. Macy and Steve Zahn. Release is scheduled for March 2005.

Meanwhile, Tom Cruise will mend his broken heart by filming a $200M+ blockbuster with Steven Spielberg. *Cough