look at someone with interest and in a good way

Is there a word that means to "look at someone with interest and in a good way"?

Her husband looked at her legs with interest. "Are those new jeans, Nicole? They're very nice!"

I understand the underlined part is not natural. What can I use instead?

 

'He looked appreciatively at her legs.' I know, it's a real mouthful of a word, but it works. Or maybe something like 'His eyes wandered up and down the length of her legs approvingly.' or 'with approval.'

 

Her husband looked at her in awe.

 

He stared at her legs. (a bit creepy?)

His gaze started at her legs, and stayed there.

Or you could try it differently.

"What time is our reservation?" Nicole asked.
John looked at his wife. "Are those new jeans, Nicole? They're very nice!"

 

The curve of her legs captured his rapt attention.

 

"he admired her legs" is pretty much the correct answer I think

 

He looked at her legs. Suddenly his pants felt tight.