NCd for this.
I need your help with interpreting some comments/situation.
Background:
I filed for divorce in 2023. I haven't gone ahead with it yet for (complex) financial reasons and because my DC was young anf my MH was poor at the time. It was easier not to proceed with another stressful thing at the time.
I am now in a place where I'm ready to go ahead. DH and I co-parent, the romantic relationship is not something I have been interested in for at least 4 years and I see no prospect of this marriage ever becoming a proper relationship ever again. The reasons are predominantly on DH's side, I don't want to dwell on them here as it's in the past. Enough said that I wasn't supported or treated well by him or his family at a very difficult time in my life and there's no coming back from this. He acknowledges this and there's not much else to say. We still live in one house and get on OK for the sake of our DC, but naturally the house will be sold on divorce and we will live separately.
Few years ago, I can't remember when exactly but I think possibly around 3?-ish? years ago, I met a man at a business event. Let's call him B. We don't work together but occasionally there is scope for some collaboration. B was in a long-term relationship at the time, then got married. We collaborated over the last few years on several occasions and it's always been very good.
I have really liked B from the outset. He's smart, ambitious but also very well grounded and kind. He's a respectful man, he never mansplains, he listens to people and is very supportive. I watched him in various business situations and always thought he was impressive and a genuinely nice guy. B and I share similarities in terms of our background, professional careers, values and general outlook on life. B is also good looking in my opinion. Maybe not my usual type, but he is easy on the eye. When we met, I think we both knew instantly that some attraction was there but we're both sensible people, middle age (40ish now), nobody was on a lookout for trouble. We talked to each other at length several times about various topics and we get on great. From my perspective, I've concluded that whilst the attraction was there, it would stay platonic. Even when my relationship was no longer viable, I never thought to take any steps towards B because of course he wasn't single. B never crossed the line either. It was one of those things that I thought of as we are fond of each other and "in another life" I'd give it a go romantically, but this would never happen in reality.
Fast forward to now. I did not see B for a long time, coming up to a year as our organisations weren't working together much. We stayed in touch sporadically via business emails, always cordial and nothing else to it.
Few weeks ago B and I were at an event together. I feel in the last couple of months I have had my mojo back, I have clarity and control over where my personal life is heading, I'm about to get a promotion, DC is great, I am just in a good place. It possibly shows in the way I carry myself. Anyway - I walked into the event room and the only way I can describe the scene is B looked at me and stopped in his tracks. It was the kind of look you receive on your first date that makes you realise it will be very good. He then looked me up and down and got seemingly embarrassed with himself (I've never seen him like this before). It was like he did this on autopilot. He then said hello and nice to see you again, we briefly hugged - and it was electric. He then blurted out "my gosh, Evelyn, you always smell so amazing". Then went to grab us drinks immediately after. I was stunned. I knew something has always been in the air but as of that moment, it seemed different.
The event was good, we sat chatting to many people and then B invited me for lunch. Again, we chatted for a long time about work and general topics. It was not an intimate conversation, but it was personal at times. lt felt attentive and intense on his part, like he was absorbing every word I said.
We didn't mention our respective wife/STBEXH, but I don't believe this was in any way deliberate - our respective home lives just weren't part of the conversation. I am positive, however, that B noticed I no longer wear my wedding ring (I haven't for months) because he looked at my hand several times.
I love talking to B, it's always refreshing and thought-provoking. I stood up to leave our lunch and he had to go to another meeting, but it felt like he was disappointed we had to go. Honestly, I could have sat there all day talking to him and I wouldn't be bored.
B said that he'd like to catch up with me again in a couple of weeks or so. I said great, sure - without thinking much of it, we're both busy and I thought it'd be few months not a couple of weeks in reality.
3 days later, B messaged me privately via work platform to say how nice it was to see me again, reiterating that we need to get together again in a couple of weeks and that he has a new collaboration proposal. He also referred to a couple of personal things we mentioned such as my holidays etc. He messaged me out of the blue just before we both clocked off for the weekend.
I don't know B's personal situation but I don't think he's the type that would cheat or even leave the door ajar to encourage a prospect of an affair. He just isn't that kind of a man.
Question: does his behaviour suggest he is interested in me personally/romantically? Does it cross the professional relationship line we've enjoyed? Is he sending me a signal and should I see him again soon? Should I ask him about his relationship to find out what's going on? Something has changed on his side, I sense, but I don't know what exactly and I don't know what to do next.
I obviously won't pursue it unless he split up from his wife, not an option. In all honesty, I really like this man and I'm not looking for any kind of one night stand, drama or upset caused to anyone. I also want to protect my own heart and not do anything stupid if I've misinterpreted his behaviour.
Any thoughts, please?