Will you accept this rose? Birthday girl Hilary Swank pictured on cosy dinner date with former Bachelorette suitor Kasey Stewart

Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock may have cast him aside in 2013, but Kasey Stewart seems to have traded up.

In an Instagram photo posted on Thursday, 31-year-old Kasey sat with Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank while celebrating her 41st birthday.

Posed in front of a fireplace at a small table in the Venice, California restaurant, Gjelina, the two looked very close.

Scroll down for video 

Potential couple: Former Bachelorette suitor Kasey Stewart (left) helped Hilary Swank (right) celebrate her 41st birthday on Thursday in Venice, California

Potential couple: Former Bachelorette suitor Kasey Stewart (left) helped Hilary Swank (right) celebrate her 41st birthday on Thursday in Venice, California

'Happy Birthday to this beautiful soul. @hilaryswank,' Kasey wrote as the caption to the picture.

Hilary, meanwhile, did not post an Instagram image showing Kasey but commemorated the evening with a photo of some birthday treats.

'It's only getting started... Feliz cumpleanos!!! I'm such a Leo...if you haven't noticed, it's been a birthday week. But, today's the REAL thang,' she captioned the photo.

Celebration: Hilary did not mention Kasey, but she did post a photo of her celebratory desserts

Celebration: Hilary did not mention Kasey, but she did post a photo of her celebratory desserts

The exact nature of their relationship is not known, but Kasey and Hilary have known each other for at least two years, judging by the one-time reality star's Instagram feed.

Kasey's season of The Bachelorette was still airing when he and Hilary showed up in a photo dated to July 2013.

'Even prettier on the inside. #hillaryswank #sisters #firestone #SLO #watchestheshow,' he wrote to accompany the picture of the two sharing a side-hug.

Long-time friends: Back when he was on The Bachelorette in 2013, Kasey posted a photo after he met Hilary

Long-time friends: Back when he was on The Bachelorette in 2013, Kasey posted a photo after he met Hilary

In season nine of The Bachelorette, Desiree sent Kasey home in the sixth week - at the same time as future Bachelor Juan Pablo Galavis.

A few weeks earlier, Kasey had memorably accompanied Desiree on a one-on-one date that involved dancing on the side of a skyscraper while strapped into harnesses.

The advertising executive from Tulsa, Oklahoma was an early favourite but did not click with Desiree in later episodes.

Rejected: Desiree Hartsock (left) sent Kasey home in week six of The Bachelorette season nine, despite early chemistry between the two

Rejected: Desiree Hartsock (left) sent Kasey home in week six of The Bachelorette season nine, despite early chemistry between the two

As for Hilary, she was married to actor Chad Lowe from 1997 to 2007 and later dated her agent, John Campisi, for six years before breaking up in 2012.

More recently, she was seen on Tuesday in New York City with tennis player turned financial advisor, Ruben Torres - who may have later accompanied Hilary to a surprise party thrown by friends. 

Hilary's 1999 role in Boys Don't Cry earned the actress her first Oscar, while 2004's Million Dollar Baby brought a second Best Actress win.

She will next be seen in The One Percent, a cable series set to air on Starz later this year.

Another man: On Tuesday, Hilary shared dinner with Ruben Torres in New York City

Another man: On Tuesday, Hilary shared dinner with Ruben Torres in New York City

Big star: The Oscar-winning star of Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby (above with her Golden Globe and Clint Eastwood in 2004) will next be seen in Starz's cable series, The One Percent

Big star: The Oscar-winning star of Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby (above with her Golden Globe and Clint Eastwood in 2004) will next be seen in Starz's cable series, The One Percent

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now