He did say he didn't want a long distance relationship with you, maybe it wasn't the "with you" pare just the long distance relationship part. Yet, he stupidly lead you on with the flirting then realized that it was wrong.

Maybe he is one of those guys who believe guys and girls can't just be friends or he likes you too much to lead you on. The last time was to see if you two could be friendly without flirting. I don't know.

Yet, not all men like the chase... I mean I'm a girl who hates that kind of idea of old.