I split up with my ex 8 months ago after been together 10 years. he just wants to be friends?

the problem i have is the fact we are just friends and want more. we still go to dinner watch movies and even sleep in the same bed (theres no funny business). i recently asked him if he wanted to go for a meal for my birthday and said yes but just as friends and that he didn't want to hurt me and lead me on. in my mind hopefully we could get back together but hes made it clear that we are just to be friends. i feel i get mixed signals from him. we split because we couldn't get on and argued alot but now we get on even better. he has sent texts say in he will always love me and that i was the love of his life and that he misses me. im so confused. do i just let go or is he messing me around or do i dig my heels in and fight for the relationship. if so how do i do it without looking like a bunny boiler lol