Is it possible to love a friend and for there NOT to be a spark of *something* on their part...?!?

There's this guy; that I like and he flirts with me like mad. I told him how I felt and we drifted apart for a few days. He's told me what he thinks of me, but I think that the meaning behind it was a bit different to what was said... cos he's said other stuff since then... So, I don't know what to think now. I don't ever want to lose his friendship - he is an absolute star and says that I am his guardian angel. If we were both in a better "place" - is it possible for something to ever happen. It may sound crazy, but I swear, I had such a "gut feeling" about this guy; that was 4 months ago, and I did bide my time with him, made sure I didn't let my feelings known until recently. Stupid really... isn't it?! Things are supposed to be nice n simple/straightforward; then WHY is this so hard to judge?! All answers greatly appreciated!