>>81892246 (OP)I'm actually going through this exact thing right now. There's a girl who works at a coffee shop I regularly frequent that's always quite flirty with me when I come in (beyond just normal friendly customer service). I have little doubt that if I asked her out she'd say yes, but I'm terrified of what you describe: that we'd go out on a date or two and I'd get the dreaded text from her telling me, "You're a great guy but I'm just not ready for a serious relationship." It's like I'd rather just maintain the positive, surface-level vibe we currently have than risk having her hurt me.
I know in life you've sometimes got to get over your fears and take chances, but I've been burned so many times like this and I'm tired.