Scorpio Men, Help out a Pisces Woman here...

I have been friends with a man (Scorpio Sun, Scorpio Moon) I am a woman (Pisces Sun/Scorpio moon) for about 4 years now--we are both single and I am hopelessly attracted to him. We live in different states, but when we see each other (most often in groups with other people), he stares at me constantly when he thinks I am not looking and sometimes will meet my eyes and stare until I avert my eyes. Other people observe him staring at me and immediately think there is something between us. People who don't know us and observe us together say the energy between us makes us seem like a couple, like we belong with each other. He frequently touches my arm or hand, finds excuses to call me, tells me he misses me, pays me lots of amazing compliments, tells me he loves and adores me but insists that he is not romantically attracted to me when I raised it with him on two occasions as any woman with a pulse would think there is an attraction. We have a very strong connection, even telepathic. Is he confused, or am I? Scorpio men, what is UP with his behavior? It's maddening! I feel he is interested but afraid to have a relationship after getting emotionally crushed in his previous marriage. How to make him feel safe to be in a relationship again, Scorpio guys, help me out here. Is he just manipulating me for entertainment, or is he sincerely interested and afraid to act on his feelings?