Gave phone number to a neighbor, instantly regretted it. What to do?

I live in a medium-sized city (\~500k) in an apartment complex. There is not much yard space and sometimes I like to sit outside and read, write, etc. and enjoy the sun. The neighbors sometimes come out and chat with me, which I don’t have a problem with – I am new to the area (about one year) and don’t mind being friendly, I try to be open minded about people because I don’t know tons of people in the area.

So this one male neighbor asked me to share numbers at one point, and I figured it was for neighbor-type stuff (I have some of the other neighbors’ numbers too)….but I’m too fucking naive and should have just said NO. I didn’t because I assumed it was platonic (yup, stupid me) and I didn’t see it as a come-on. He’s much older (15 years I’d guess) than me and knows I have a BF, so I assumed that he would KNOW I’m not interested… but no, never assume. IAnyway, I have other neighbors’ numbers so I didn’t see it as weird. In some ways I also felt awkward saying no because we see each other often. But I am not really attracted to him and don’t want to hang out etc.

That night he started texting me and I was really short in my response. He didn’t blow up my phone or anything though. A few days later he texted again and sent me a positive quote-meme thing. I was like ‘thanks I like positive sayings, have a good day.’ A few days later, another positive quote. I was polite. Again he wasn’t texting constantly but I was getting worried. Then he texted me saying he wanted to take me on his Harley which — uhm, NO. Totally unsafe, inappropriate for multiple reasons, definitely goes beyond the context of friendly neighbor. I was just kinda like “ha maybe someday!” which again, I guess I need to be more direct but I thought it would be awkward? So then he asked “what about next weeekend?” and I said “I don’t even know what I’m doing next weekend.” …. I really wanted him to get the hint, but nope, I should just be more direct (lesson learned). Anyway I decided I would just stop responding at this point, then he’ll surely get the hint. Sure enough a few days later he sent another positive quote and I didn’t respond. A few hours later he asked me to hang out, go on his motorcycle AGAIN.

At this point I realized I need to nip this in the bud, regretting my decision and knowing I’ve made a big mistake. I say “No, sorry. Also, I wanted to make sure we are on the same page. I think you are a great neighbor and I appreciate all your positive energy and our chats outside. However, I am not interested in anything more than just having a neighbor-friendship, and I also am in a relationship. I think hanging out alone and away from the property is inappropriate and I want to make sure that’s clear. Sorry for any confusion just wanted to make sure we are on the same page!” I figured he’s a grown man and can handle it without being a jerk. But he responded and made me feel totally stupid saying “well I wasn’t trying to get with you. But rest assured you made your point. Loud and clear.” +\_\_\_+ UGH. I said back, “Oh okay cool just wanted to make sure, sorry I didn’t mean any offense or anything!” No response. So he seemed to take offense even though I thought I was being as polite as possible.

SO now there are pros and cons — I got what I wanted (no more texting LOL) but now I feel like it’s gonna be awkward when we see each other outside. I’ve sorta been avoiding the spot where I normally sit bc I don’t want to run into him, and I hate that because we don’t really have much outdoor space.

Clearly I didn’t handle this well. It sucks because I don’t mind being friendly and having PLATONIC Relationships with guys, but is it even possible?! I don’t want to assume that every guy who asks for my number has these intentions — surely some people just want to be friends right?

So, questions: 1) what do I do now? Should I avoid him, or try to be friendly and say hi still? Should I move???? 2) In the future, how do I make a new friendship with someone of the opposite sex and NOT come off as interested? It seems like I say one thing and immediately the guy is all “SHE WANTS ME.” What is a better way to handle this situation?

Thanks<3