Dating : Can a Fwb who used to like (an whom I rejected) me want to date me again?

Dating : Can a Fwb who used to like (an whom I rejected) me want to date me again?

So, I [F23] have been in a fwb relationship with a guy [F24] for a month and a half now. We’ve known each other for 3 years. At the beggining we slowly became friends, started hanging out with each other and two years ago he confessed he liked me. I was confused cause we got on very well and I felt some attraction, but at the same time I didn’t see myself in a relationship with him, so I ended up telling him I’d rather just be friends. We almost didn’t talk for a year after that and then we slowly reconnected, mostly through text message. He’s had two relationships since then and from what he’s told me they didn’t go very well.

Three months ago he proposed me to go grab a coffee with him and I agreed. We met a few more times after that and it was obvious there was some sexual tension between us. He one day told me that he had noticed the sexual tension and awkwardness between us but wasn’t sure how to interpret it… I then told him that I still considered him a good friend but didn’t see myself in a relationship with him, however I’d be down for a fwb arrengement. He agreed and said he wasn’t looking for a relationship either. And that’s how it all started.

We’ve had about 6 sexual encounters since then and the sex is amazing. When we lie down in bed we talk about stuff and he always acts super warm and cuddly, giving me little kisses on my cheeks and forehead, and asks me to please stay a bit more when I tell him I have to leave. However… Lately I have felt that the friendship aspect of our relationship has kind of vanished and been substituted for the sex. When we meet everything’s great but once we part ways I don’t hear from him until the next time we see each other.

This situation kind of hurts me because:

My intention since the begging was to add sex to the friendship we already had, not for us to just become each other’s booty call and loose contact outside sex.

I feel like I’m starting to catch feelings and would be interested in casually dating him and see how it goes… I wouldn’t commit right away though, just start by slowly taking things outside of the bedroom. I’m usually very slow when starting a relationship.

So, what do you think Is the best thing for me to do in this situation? Is there a possibility that he might develop feelings for me again or has the fact that I rejected him once blown my chances?

Thank you so much for reading everything and sorry for the typos in the title, I can’t change it 😔