Leo (lol or rather you) nailed it. There's no need to fear telling him how you feel, and that you don't want to rush things. If he's as good a guy as you claim him to be, he'll see that and have no problem with it. If he doesn't, I would tell you that you haven't lost a thing.

Just explain how you feel, and tell him that if/when you decide to take that plunge with him, you want it to mean something. Any good guy worth their salt will respect that and admire you all the more for it.

I would go further to tell you that you seem to me like a good person with a high set of morals. That's something you should be proud of. I would tell you that as long as you use your good judgment here, you'll be just fine.

Take care, and I hope I was of some help. I wish you the best.