Thanks for all the responses. I get the sense he's been hurt badly in the past and is scared... and the booze brought that out when we were having a conversation about someone else's break-up. I've been hurt badly too and I'm scared about having feelings for anybody, so it kind of sounds like the sort of thing I would blurt out after a few too many drinks.

In hindsight, I realize that there was quite a bit of discussion about my ex-boyfriend yesterday and last night. I didn't bring him up, but one of the guys who was with us is really good friends with my ex and was asking me about him and referencing stuff that had happened back when we were together. There was also some discussion amongst quite a few people about what an amazing musician my ex is. So, I'm thinking how I would feel if someone had been talking a whole lot about Mr. X's ex-girlfriend... and how amazing she is, etc. It probably wouldn't make me feel great.

He hasn't kissed me yet, but he was being flirty today. I mentioned to a colleague that perhaps he's just interested in being my friend, but she said she sees the way he watches me when I'm not looking and she said he's definitely not looking at me like a friend. She also said that she's been working with him for 3 years and he has never taken her to lunch and asked her out on the weekend or popped by her office twice a day.

We work for the same university so we were at the same event today. He told me I looked beautiful and was his usual pleasant, charming self. We sat outside together for a while and talked about music that we both like. He knew I had a lot to get done today at the event and I had been stressed out about it, so he was asking how everything went... and he told me I looked very professional and competent while I was doing everything. I told him I was feeling cranky, but he said I looked pleasant and glowing. That was good to hear because I felt really stressed while I was waiting for the media and taking photos... just feeling out of sorts through most of the day.

I'll just wait and see what happens next. We see each other every day at work. He stops by my window twice a day for a smoke break and a chat. We have only known each other for a week, but we have spent a lot of time together. I guess I'll just take my time and get to know him better -- without the booze. It really is a depressant. I know it works that way on me and that seemed to be the case with him last night.