My ex-boyfriend and I are 9 years apart (he is 27 and I am 36); I am divorced and have two children. My ex and I started dating a 1 1/2 ago we were very happy; we always had fun and never had any major issues. We also, work together, we were always inseparable.

He purchased his corvette that he had been saving for years, this April. I noticed he had changed, not towards me, but he was a little different. He just broke up with me this August. His reason was he wasn't ready for that type of responsibility (meaning my kids) and it was just too overwhelming for him. He said I would be the perfect girl for him if I didn’t have kids (which he has played with and helped plan their birthday parties). He said he wanted a honeymoon period with me, and knows because I have kids that he wouldn’t be able to have that with me.

I admit I was devastated, that he would say that, after all the times he told me he loved me, his only complaint, mid-way during our relationship, was that he wanted all of me and because I loved him I broke down all my walls and gave him all of my heart. I know some of his friends and his mom always nag him about being with me, but he said he would always defend us. Some of his closes friends have kids.

After the break up, I have noticed that since we agreed to be friends (since we work together) that he will still stop by my desk, just like before. I am still the first person he calls when he has a problem or needs to talk to. He will also let me know how much he misses me. He will text me or calls me. He even texted me asking to know how the open house for my kids went and how did they enjoy their first day of school. He is currently up visiting family and texted me the moment he landed and later the next day texted me when he was able to get a signal on his phone.
I had explained to him that I have never had a break up where my ex still wants regular contact with me and it’s confusing. He explained maybe I never had and ex that still cares so much about you.
I don’t know what to think or what to do? Of course I still love him and want him back. I have no idea if he is playing with my emotions or what?

It sounds like your ex still has feelings for you. No doubt that if he did really love you, he probably had a difficult time breaking up. He also felt it seems, however, that he really wasn't ready for kids, no matter how much he loved you. Since his feelings regarding the children (not his feelings for you) were the problem, he probably has difficulty dealing with the separation.

You say you're confused by him. I'm guessing that's because you are using his actions to try to to figure out if you're going to get back together. But, that seems like something unlikely to happen if he's not ready to care for and share you with your kids. If you really find what he's doing to be a problem for you (leading you on maybe) then perhaps you should ask him to give you space. Tell him that you need it to move on from the relationship he ended. If he's not ready to do that, initiating some open communication could help him to figure out what he wants (because it seems like he's not certain what that is yet).

This reeks of the typical ploy... "I'm not sure I want to be with you, but I am going to keep you close in case I decide I want to"

Men are naturally territorial. That is what makes them good fathers and husbands. However, it also makes them... well, want their cake and eat it when they're ready.

Just wait until you start dating other people. If he is still acting like Joe Cool guy... then perhaps he is a unicorn of his gender and really truly desires a friendship. Of coarse then you have to decide if you can deal with a friendship with him. After all, he may start dating too. If you can't, put an end to it. You have a choice in who your friends are. And it doesn't make you a smaller person to not be his friend.