Do you think he likes me?

We went on a field trip to the Catskills for school and it was kind of dangerous so all of the guys were helping the girls. The guy I like, let's call him Sam was helping me the most. He extended his hand like every time it was even the littlest bit steep and of course I took it. Once it wasn't steep at all, and he extended his hand but I was too shy to take it, though I brushed m hand with his. He was just so sweet. Also, on the bus we were both trying to get off and he stepped back and gestured for me to go first so I did. Sam's friend said something about me and Sam turned around and flicked his friend's forehead. Also, it seems like whenever we're in a group of people, he's only talking to me. He used to be really friendly with my two really close friends, and he still is, but in a different way. It seems like he's being careful of what he says to them, for some reason. I don't know if I'm reading too far into the signs, but he just seems so protective of me and always jokes around with me and teases. Before, we didn't even talk ,and he's been in most of cles including homeroom for three years. Do you think he likes me?