I was you. Kind of, except we were both single, he would hold my hand as we walked home, we'd plan to do on holiday together., but something's
Ways happened to change plans. When he had a gf, he'd not see me: but when it all went tits up, I'd be first point of call. He lost his job, I'd cook for him every Friday, drive him everywhere, look out for him. I constructed an elaborate lol conceived honey trap on OKCupid for him. I loved him.
For his birthday, I bought him a Stetson, half a pound of white chocolate mice and made him a book which lovingly hand illustrated favourite quotes, music we both liked. I made an apple pie, this was the night I would explain how much he meant to me.
He'd met an old flame the night before. I gave him his stuff, I told him I loved him. Apart from a few awkward accusatory texts about my behaviour, 
I never heard from him again. Now,, almost three years later, if I can be bothered to think about him at all, I hope his dick drops off.
Three months after all this shit, when I'd licked my wounds and had forgotten to take down my internet dating profile, I went on a date with the most lovely, gentle, appreciative man; who values me, compliments me and challenges me in a good way.
Our situations are different. I'd suggest going for it, but being prepared for a cut down. I tend towards thinking nothing ventured nothing gained, to do so is brave but the rejection is really very cruel for the first couple of months. After that, you'll hopefully find someone who deserves you, rather than some guy who you used to be in a relationship with, who keeps you dangling.