Afraid Of What??

Ok, so I have this issue. I really like this certain person and I just don't know how to tell him. I spoke to my BFF about it and of course her being the great friend that she is, suggested that I tell him. I'm afraid to though. What??? I have valid reasons though. This guy isn't like other guys that I've been attracted to. He's intelligent, has a great personality, and he keeps my attention! We have been in association with each other for about 4 or 5 months and we even spent just a little time together when my family and I took a trip to his state. Yes, he lives 8 hours away from me. Anyway, I tell my friend this and she says " I really think you should tell him". Now she said these same exact words to me on another occasion just like this, and I took her advice BUT, it didn't seem to work. The guy I liked then was just someone who wasn't ready for a relationship. That was fine but then I didn't hear from him too much after that. Well, I couldn't do it this time. I simply refused to do it. Could be in part that in the past I have poured my heart out to guys and just been played to the left. I'm thinking to myself he's different from the rest.........! Biggest cop out, I asked my friend to tell him. I figured since he is her male BFF, and she is the one who introduced us or whatever you want to call it, he won't mind it coming from her. Biggest mistake. She told him and I think he got upset that it didn't come from me. Now I'm stuck because we haven't talked about it, and I don't know how to approach it. Now in reality I'm no PUNK. Just when it comes to this person. I enjoy every bit of his conversation. There is never a dull moment, and we can talk about everything under the sun. Now just a side note I don't get in to liking every guy that pops up and says he can take care of me, or anything like that. So for me to say that I like someone, he has to be something in my eyes. LOL! I don't want to lose him as a friend though. If it means putting my feelings on the back burner and turning the flame off than that's fine with me. At this point I don't know what to feel, because we haven't talked about it. I'm not asking for a relationship right now, but just wanted it to be put on the table, so he can't say that he never knew. 'm not talking marriage cause GOD knows I am not ready for marriage. I think I just want the opportunity to snag one of the "good ones". Maybe my reasonings for not telling him are good, but maybe not.