Does he only see me as a friend

I wonder if anyone could give me their opinion on this I have guy friend who I have know for about 18 months. Me him and another girl became friend at about the same time she fell for him he only saw her as a friend and she drifted off a year ago. I have got closer to him and I have fallen in love with him. Last week me and him spent a day together which I thought was great and he has been a bit distant with me all week. This morning we were talking about the other girl and he said "I thought she was like you, a friend and company" I thought he meant he only saw her and me as friends but then I wondered maybe wishful thinking but could he have meant he thought she was like me meaning I only like him as a friend and company? Over the last year he has told me I am beautiful, pretty, he likes my company, he would miss me if I wasn't around. When one of his friends thought we were together he said I've done well haven't I. He is always complimenting me and then now and again acts like he can't get away from me quick enough and distant. I don't let my feelings show but he might have guessed and is letting me know he isn't interested. A couple of weeks ago he said you can think someone is beautiful but not think of her in an attraction way again I thought he was maybe letting me know, but he didn't use me and him as an example when saying it to me! I know he finds me attractive. could there be something missing or does anyone think he says things waiting for my reaction and doesn't get one. I see him most days but he hardly ever texts and Its not like he's chasing me. But could that be because we are friends and he doesn't have to. I mainly need to know what everyone thinks he meant by todays comment cos if he was saying he only sees me as a friend I guess its time to give up.

it could be one sided,you can tell him how you feel and get it cleared or just forget about him