Long story short, I get on really well with a senior manager at work. He's 8 years older than me and is generally really friendly with everyone in the office, but we have a lot in common and often end up chatting in the main office or in his office on our own about random stuff for ages.
While I noticed he was attractive, I didn't really give him too much thought because he's one of the big bosses. But then on a work night out we ended up sharing a kiss after too much to drink. He brought it up with me, super casual, the next time I saw him and he brushed it off as a drunken thing. He didn't say that he regretted it, just that it was unexpected. Since then we've been back to chatting as normal and have exchanged a few messages - he text me to wish me happy birthday and we've messaged a couple of times since. Nothing sexual, all normal chit-chat.
So the dilemma is that since the kiss I think I'm starting to really feel for him. I don't want to give away my job, but it's not ideal that we have such a close relationship, even as friends, and I know I need to take a step back. The bigger reason I need to do this is because he's married with kids. I don't want to hurt anyone so how do I stop these feelings I'm having and change our relationship/friendship/whatever it is without it effecting my work.
Tbh I think he just thinks of me as a member of staff he gets on with.
I feel in a right pickle. Anyone been through something similar that can help? Or can someone give me a reality check?