Samantha Steffen and Nick Peterson connected on the final week of ABC's "Bachelor in Paradise" Season 2, but was it legitimate?

"We've been dating for three months now," Steffen, 28, told People magazine on Tuesday.

"Right after we finished filming, I flew to Florida where my parents live and Nick is there, too. We only had like two dates before we left Paradise, so it was really nice getting to spend time together off camera. I really got to know him, and I got to meet his family."

According to the fashion design from Los Angeles, their romance is evolving quickly.

"Nick told me at the end of July that he was falling in love with me," she said. "I said the same thing. It's a strong word, but I would not be dating him unless I felt serious about it. I really want to settle down."

The promising new relationship is well-deserved after the social media backlash she endured after "Bachelor in Paradise" contestant Joe Bailey manipulated co-star Juelia Kinney to ensure he'd be around long enough to date Steffen once she arrived on set. Steffen was portrayed as a villain who planned to be with Bailey since they spoke prior to the show. Many fans believed that she had a hand in Bailey hurting the unsuspecting Kinney.

"I had never been involved in such a dramatic situation," Steffen said. "It was hard to watch it back. I feel like people know me better now. I'm not manipulative. I couldn't be that person if I tried!"

The reality TV star is currently focused on her relationship Peterson, 30, a Tampa, Florida personal trainer. She admitted the long distance relationship can be "tough."

"It's difficult being on opposite sides of the country. But we always have a date planned to see each other and that makes it easier. Nick is a great guy. And I'm lucky to have him!" she said.

Peterson regularly posts photos with Steffen on his Instagram account. Check out this picture of the lovebirds acting goofy on Sept. 23:

Some fans question whether the couple's relationship is real or a ploy to get money, especially following "Bachelor in Paradise" Season 2 couple Jade Roper and Tanner Tolbert's revelation that the show pays couples tens of thousands of dollars to stay together.

Steffen and Peterson are currently on tour meeting fans. Their next stop is Thirty-Four Below in Mooresville, North Carolina on Friday, Oct. 9, at 9 p.m.

Do you believe Steffen and Peterson's romance is real, a ploy for a big pay day or legitimate, but won't last? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.