So...  I have a very small, close group of friends (Just the three of us). My girlfriend and I initially started hanging out and then I was introduced to a guy she had romantic interest in but it never went anywhere.  The three of started hanging out frequently and have been pretty inseparable for quite a while.  I love my friends!  Next to my children they are the largest part of my world since my family lives very far away and we don't really communicate very much.  

A few months back my girlfriend met the man of her dreams they have moved in together and as a result the trio became a duo.  We all still have dinner together occasionally but me and my male friend primarily hang out just the two of us.  It was a few weeks back that it first hit me, well more like punched me in the face.  We had gone out to dinner and we were chatting about this and that and since we were sitting at a bar we were side by side. He leaned over and our bodies touched.  Initially we both kinda moved toward this.  but after about 30 seconds we both tried to play it off. 

Last night I found myself on the beach with him laying on our blanket facing each other.  We talked and talked.  He would find little ways for his leg to rest against mine and stares were longer and a bit more intense.  Nothing beyond this has happened and I am fighting against it for two reasons.  Number one: My friend had a romantic interest in him and that automatically puts him in the cue of "not available to me".  And number two: He has kinda become my best friend and I don't really have anyone else.  I don't know if I can risk loosing this friendship.  I am afraid that this may happen either way as it is apparent there is attraction between us and because of reason number one I will likely feel compelled to distance myself out of respect for my female friend.  Help me Reddit! you are my only hope ;)

Ages: Me - 31 , Platonic female friend - 32, male friend - 36
user
I have a tight, close circle of friends and a
assistant
So...  I have a very small, close group of friends (Just the three of us). My girlfriend and I initially started hanging out and then I was introduced to a guy she had romantic interest in but it never went anywhere.  The three of started hanging out frequently and have been pretty inseparable for quite a while.  I love my friends!  Next to my children they are the largest part of my world since my family lives very far away and we don't really communicate very much.  

A few months back my girlfriend met the man of her dreams they have moved in together and as a result the trio became a duo.  We all still have dinner together occasionally but me and my male friend primarily hang out just the two of us.  It was a few weeks back that it first hit me, well more like punched me in the face.  We had gone out to dinner and we were chatting about this and that and since we were sitting at a bar we were side by side. He leaned over and our bodies touched.  Initially we both kinda moved toward this.  but after about 30 seconds we both tried to play it off. 

Last night I found myself on the beach with him laying on our blanket facing each other.  We talked and talked.  He would find little ways for his leg to rest against mine and stares were longer and a bit more intense.  Nothing beyond this has happened and I am fighting against it for two reasons.  Number one: My friend had a romantic interest in him and that automatically puts him in the cue of "not available to me".  And number two: He has kinda become my best friend and I don't really have anyone else.  I don't know if I can risk loosing this friendship.  I am afraid that this may happen either way as it is apparent there is attraction between us and because of reason number one I will likely feel compelled to distance myself out of respect for my female friend.  Help me Reddit! you are my only hope ;)

Ages: Me - 31 , Platonic female friend - 32, male friend - 36
user
I have a very close group of friends, one of
assistant