How come they're always knobs?

A girl I was knobbing a few months ago has started seeing a lad who is probably normally a pretty sound, average kind of young man.

Yet no matter how jovial and conversation-startery I am around him (which is a lot), he acts towards me like I'd act towards someone I was very suspicious of.

Shirley he's not concerned that I'll be stepping on his toes - or else I'd be with the girl. The very reason I'm not is that I didn't want to go out with her.

I think I might make a pass at him. Ease him up a bit.