First time poster (but regular reader!), and looking for some advice.
I met a colleague in person for the first time a few months ago, we clicked and got on really well, and have chatted through our internal messaging system most days since.
This had gradually become very flirty, and about 6 weeks ago he asked for my number. Then, about 2 weeks ago, I saw him in the office again (this is rare as mostly work at home). He came over to chat briefly, again obviously flirty, but he seems to come across social, but slightly shy.
That night, he messaged me again, and it was pretty sexual. To the point it surprised me, as it seemed like quite a big jump.
The thing is, he starts these conversations (a few more have been sexual, but always flirty), he'll be immediately back and forth for a few messages, but every single time he just stops replying after a few messages. Every single time.
Then, a few days later, he'll initiate a conversation again. I find it very odd, as it's never at a natural point in the conversation, or ended with 'right, I'm off to do xyz now'.
He's not asked me out, just messages me like this, with seemingly no other intention. He's the one who's sort of 'upped the ante', and I've matched when he has. I do find him attractive and started to quite like him, but it seems he's just not interested.
Would it be reasonable for me at this point to just stop replying to anything he sends personally, and only respond to him within work if it's work-related? I don't know how to play this.