[Although he had been prepared for any and all possibilities, including the potential of further development, he had been more prepared for things ending where they are. Thus his eyes widen a bit at her actual answer, his heart strangely racing for a moment before it quiets.

...

Should he take that as a sign?

However, he understands her uncertainty.]

Then...

[The word hangs in the air as he once again considers his words.]

...How about this. It's clear we're still uncertain about things, but we are in agreement that we do not share any negative feelings towards each other. And if we think about it, we've only known each other through work. We've never really spent any time together outside of it.

So let's just...be around each other and see how we feel in a more...casual relationship first.

[...

This totally sounds like he's suggesting they date but with the dating—]