[Those words and the look that they were topped with were more than enough to wound him.]

I wasn't keeping it from you because I wanted to hurt you. [Far from it.] I just thought that you weren't ready.

[And can you blame him for wondering, albeit briefly, if you'd ever be ready?]

I didn't think you'd ever come to feel the same way that I do for you. I didn't want to put that on you.

[And that would have been fine with him - or rather, he would have made himself come to accept it, especially since it was likely that turning in another direction would be better for you in the long run.]