I am so much like you, having been hurt badly, I refrain from dating or even trying to meet men. I would probably respond much as you did.
Let's look at this: you asked if he liked you, and there you were in your house/apt washing your dishes (kind of intimate in a friendly sort of way). His response was ambivalent, almost teasing, in a way. I think his response would have ticked me off too. Sure, he may have fragile feelings himself, but you told him like it is with you right now. Nothing wrong with that. Did you actually truly attack his character, or are you just second-guessing yourself now because he disappeared? How well does he know you? Does he know already that you haven't dated for two years because of your experiences? I think the correct response, if he cared for you, would have been to talk to you further about it...saying, "let's talk!" But, no, he crawls away into his hiding place. Maybe you just did yourself a favor, girlfriend. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing him here, but if he is unwilling to communicate at this early stage, offering understanding, then I say let him/it go.

Also....I've looked back over my sad history of being a doormat to men, and will do just as you have done if the opportunuity ever presents itself in the future. I've made far too many concessions to the male ambiguity in the past, deluding myself, hearing what I WANTED to hear, rather than what was or was NOT being said.

Be strong!
Love
Patty