Let me get this right. Contact on his side is limited, right? You are doing the initiating and work (for lack of better word).

This is a toughie! Guys jump in at any time. I think there could be a couple of reasons
1) he is afraid of letting you in too close. So if he "limits" his activity, he may feel safe.
2) he's not sure what he wants to do about the R, but has real feelings for you.

Seems that men usually do feel closer after ML.
I know I'm not expressing this very well. Let me think some more.

When you can't make a decision because you are torn between your heart and your head, listen to the half with the brain.