i think it;'s great you are in the falling in love stage, you may actaully love himand just not know it yet and thats ok, so just ask him to take caution in overdoing the i love you's and the clinginess. it could be the ride of your life.good luck to you
i think he's catching on because he hasn't said it lately.next time we're alone i'll bring it up or when ever the time is just right and thank you.
I did the same thing when I first started dating my wife. We had been friends for years before we became a couple, and the simple truth was that I already loved her. It would be good if you could tell him that you are flattered that he loves you, but that he should let you progress in the relationship at your own pace.