Stay friends..or not?

OK I am totally confused & need some advice, please.

My Virgo male & I have been seeing each other 7 months. We enjoy spending time together, and when we're not together we're always on the phone or e mailing. So I consider us very close friends. I know he confides in me & is very attracted to me.

In past months we always fool around naked but have always stopped at having sex. Last month on my B day was the closest we ever got to actual intercourse but we stopped, well I should say he did. I was completely frustrated & wanted to continue but did not want to make him feel uncomfortable so we just held each other & continued talking & teasing like we always do.

Last week when we had dinner, out of the blue, he says "well, I think we need to decide if we want to have sex or not." I said, well "I want to" & he said he did also, but he was very afraid of ruining things between us. He admitted if we ever stopped seeing each other he'd miss me & miss talking on the phone 2 hours a day lol.

I honestly did not know what to say. I don't want to ruin anything either but the attraction is there, big time. So we just sort of went on talking of other things like normal & I didn't bring it up again.

Ok, anyone advise here please - Is he just getting cold feet really, or does he really want to leave it at friendship? We are true friends. I know he confides in me & trusts me - he's tested me several times I know. And he does get jealous I've seen that also. Is he fighting his feelings or something?

I won't pressure him at all, I know how he is about being caged in & needing his space. Also I'm afraid sex will ruin a great friendship also.

Help - anyone?

Thanks!!