Entertainment Awards Shows and Events Premieres Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Share a Sweet Kiss and Hug at 'Marry Me' Screening in Los Angeles "It's a beautiful love story that we got a second chance,” Jennifer Lopez told PEOPLE of rekindling the romance 17 years later By Janine Henni Janine Henni Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment. People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 9, 2022 09:03AM EST Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck can't get enough of each other! The actress and singer got cozy with Affleck on the white carpet ahead of a special screening of her new movie Marry Me in Los Angeles. In a playful nod to the film's romantic theme, in which Lopez plays a pop star who marries a stranger, she stepped out in a white, long sleeve mini dress with lace illusion detail. As they snuggled, smiled and posed on the carpet, their affection was clear. Speaking to PEOPLE for last week's cover story, Lopez, 52, said she feels "so lucky and happy and proud" to be with Affleck, 49. The superstar couple, who first dated from 2002 to 2004 but called off their engagement, reconnected last spring and sparks flew once again. PHOTO: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic PHOTO: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images "It's a beautiful love story that we got a second chance," Lopez said of rekindling their romance 17 years later. Jennifer Lopez on She and Ben Affleck Now Knowing 'Who We Are as People and What Really Matters' This time, she said, "We both were like, 'Wow, we're so happy and we don't want any of that to come into play again.' We're older now, we're smarter, we have more experience, we're at different places in our lives, we have kids now, and we have to be very conscious of those things. We're so protective because it is such a beautiful time for all of us." Though Valentine's Day is right around the corner, the "Let's Get Loud" singer stayed mum on the couple's plans while appearing on Live with Kelly and Ryan last week. Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images Jennifer Lopez on Valentine's Day Plans with Ben Affleck: 'I Think We'll Surprise Each Other' "Yeah. We have plans but, you know, I'm not gonna share it with you right now! ... I have a surprise. I think we'll surprise each other with something, for sure," Lopes told hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest. "But you're romantic, right?" asked Ripa. "Very," Lopez said. In her new movie Marry Me, Lopez plays a pop star who marries a stranger (Owen Wilson) after her fiancé (Maluma) is caught cheating. The role was "really fun and also cathartic," said Lopez, who coproduced the film and enjoyed "revealing a little something of what it's like living in the public eye." Lopez also performs the soundtrack, which features original songs by her and Maluma. "The songs tell the story just as much," she says. Marry Me hits theaters Feb. 11.