I think he realized that the word "love" is loaded and that maybe he should have used a less emotional word. But I agree with others that you should accept it. Whether he loves you, or loves working with you, or loves helping you, it's all good. Maybe he was afraid that using the word love would scare you, and make you think it was an inappropriate romantic thing. But .... there are positive feelings there! Enjoy the feeling, and don't sweat the small stuff. He cares ... and that's really nice to feel.