I think my guy friend may like me...but I'm afraid to get too touchy with him...should I just go for it?!?

I am getting the vibe my guy friend likes me. I REALLY like him. He has been staring at me nonstop lately, blushing around me, texting a LOT and even calling me more often for silly stuff just to talk to me. I'm afraid to be touchy with him, but the other day he went off on me about how "girls should be straightforward. they drop hints, and they get too crazy for us!". So, I thought maybe if he meant that towards me, I could touch his arm a little while we talk or something, and see how he reacts? What else can I do here?!?! I'm too shy to come out and tell him I like him!