Does he like me, if so how do I start something with him, plse help???

I am totally in lust with one of my mates. He is one of my good mates and we share the same group of friends. We live 2 houses apart and are very close. My housemate said she thinks he likes me, coz he is always very attentive towards me, and looks happy to see me. I get really confused if he does like me, I don't know what the signs could be and I really don't want to talk to him about this, in case he rejects me. I'm terrified of rejection. I also don't want to lose this awesome friendship if he doesn't feel the same way about me, he is a normally shy guy. I just don't know what to do because I would like to give this relationship a go if he feels the same way. What are some signs that he likes me and how to I go about making the first move if I do think he likes me too?