How to let someone down gently?

I have been acquainted with an older gentleman. My family turned to him for help in a particular situation, to which he was very quick to assist. However, it appears that now he has developed certain feelings for me; he spoke of his fondness for me, even before my family got in touch with him! He has hinted that he wants us to be closer. I wouldn't mind us being friends, but I don't see myself getting in anything serious with him. I have no problem telling him that, but my fear is that he would stop the assistance he's giving my family. How can I explain to him that I have no interest of getting involve romantically, but I don't mind us being friends, in a way that would not hurt his feelings?

It sounds like there may be strings attached to his "assistance". In what manner is he assisting your family?

He's providing legal assistance. he's very good in his area of specialization, very well respected & connected!

Maybe you should explain to your family what the situation is. He sounds like he might be putting you in this spot on purpose, suggesting that if you don't play up to him, he might punish your family by withholding help. I think you need to bail out of this as quick as you can, as in, don't ever be around with him alone. Tell your family definitely what is happening, that he is tying his help to the family with a romantic situation with you. Get their assurance that they will drop the help, to help you. Then you tell him, but don't be alone in the same room with him. Just get the message across without being in the same room alone with him. Oh, if your family doesn't give their assurance that they will help you, help yourself. By, don't go into the same room with him alone. Keep your distance. Keep other people in the room. Don't be in a room where he's going to be. Don't be in any meetings where he's supposed to be. Keep your family up to date on what is going on. He's got more experience than you, got more assists on his side like he's helping our family. So don't get overconfident. Don't feel like, oh, he'll listen to reason. No. Don't believe any reason he gives for "I need to talk to you." Don't allow yourself to be his friend, because he wants it to lead to something else, and he's better at this than you are. No matter what his reason is for trying to get into the same room with you alone, don't go. Inform your family now.

Thank you PJVL9

TIPSSIE7: I do appreciate your reply.