Why are boys so confusing?

So, of course, I have a new crush. When do I not? And of course, I'm having issues. I can't read signals, and he hasn't asked me out. But, he makes it a point to talk to me on IM every single day, and he's the first to comment on anything I do on Facebook. He also asked for my input on his new apartment.

People have told me that it's very hard to talk him into things, but he tends to go when I ask him. Case in point- last Friday night. I had an event with Give Back Cincinnati to raise money for our trip to New Orleans in August. I invited a bunch of people, but no one showed. Knowing this, and that I would be the only one in the crowd he would know, A came and hung out with me the entire night. We went from chatting on the patio, to talking at a table, to dancing inside until we closed the place down.

He hates dancing and having his picture taken, but did both with me. I also got his number in a round about way, and he did tell me it would be changing, but that when it does, he will make sure I have the new one.

I'm so confused. I'm not sure if he realizes I like him. I flirt constantly, but he's a little thick headed. I haven't asked him bluntly if he wanted to go on a date with me because I realize he has to spend every available minute studying for the CPA exam. He did tell me he's taking the four parts as fast as possible so he can get back to a normal social life. He did agree to lunch with me in a couple of weeks (after part 1 is done).

People say he's quiet, but we haven't run out of things to talk about, and I am not monopolizing the conversation. I'm stuck here, and afraid to move forward, because I don't want to stop talking to him daily, and I'm afraid if he's not interested like I think he is, that's what will happen.

He may say no, just because he has a policy of not dating people at work (he's been burned in the past), but I think I've countered every argument he's tried. We'll see if I ever get out of limbo.