Need some advice ladies!

So me and my “buddy” have been friends since February. We met on bumble and just really hit it off. We didn’t actually meet til August. Well since August we’ve spent many of days and nights together and things are great! He’s amazing! Only downside is in February he is being deployed for a year. Now this weekend he came over to my new place and help me set it up and it was just great! Well this morning when he goes to leave I kiss him in the car and then the three words I didn’t ever think would come out of my mouth came out. Then I panicked and said “I didn’t say that” he responded “its okay” with a smile. But I ran inside cause I was freaking out. My roommate stood at the door watching him and apparently he had a huge smile on his face when he left. Then he texted me saying “you didn’t freak me out.” And we talked about it some. I’ll show the pictures. Now he isn’t looking for anything serious he’s said this many of times and honestly I don’t think I could do serious either. Last year I got dumped by my ex of 5 years so my heart has been really guarded. That’s why I freaked out when I said I love you to him. But now I’m wondering if maybe he feels the same way but can’t say it back or if he just really likes me. And idk what to do. Sooo any advice would be helpful thank you!