Love of my life

I've loved this man for 12 years. He JUST recently got out of a 5 year relationship and we started talking again. I didn't realize I loved him till I moved away. Now that I'm home, I want to just tell him that I've always loved him but he doesn't want a relationship anytime soon cause the breakup was really hard on him. I'm happy to have my friend back, plus the sex is amazing but I feel if I even mention anything to him he'll run away. Anyone have any advice or comments that could help me. We're both in our mid 30's so we're not little teenyboppers. Just trying to handle the situation delicately.