When he says ‘I appreciate you’

I’ve been seeing this guy for 6 weeks. We have hooked up and slept together 2 times. We see each other everyday. He always asks me to come over and we have dinner together and talk and have a great time. I’m 34 he’s 38 btw. He’s been going through a lot in his life right now and I’m his go to whenever he needs someone to talk to and I’m always there for him when he needs me. I’m definitely growing attached to him and I know he’s getting attached too. He has mentioned that we have gotten closer and now every time we say goodbye we kiss on the lips instead of the cheek and he said he’s noticed that and that it ‘means something’.

Anyways, whenever we hang out he never tries to touch or cuddle me. So tonight after I left his house I texted him and told him that although I know we are just friends right now, I am here for him and let him know that everything he’s going through right now will get better. I told him I have this weird impulse to want to protect him and his heart. I said I know we haven’t known each other long but I worry about him. All he said was ‘I appreciate you a lot!!!’

Wtf does that mean. That’s like the 4th time he’s said that to me when I offer to help him with things etc. I was hoping for more of a response but I feel like I’m hitting a dead end with him. It’s been weeks since we hooked up and I’m just really confused. Does he have me around because im a good distraction and and a good friend? He’s casually mentioned us being in a relationship in conversation before but talking hypothetically. I know he’s not talking to anyone else but I can’t help but feel now that I’m just wasting my time. I really like this man and could go on for days about how wonderful he is but I just feel like I should give up at this point. Any advice would be appreciated because im really in a funk tonight.