Sandy pursues Paul ...
Sandy asks paul out ...
Paul confronts Sandy ...

Paul says "I dont think it'd be fair to my ex to date anyone right now (insert some other random excuse)"

Therefore this says to Sandy (and similar females who are so inclined to be delusional)...

"I like you ... but I can't date you now ... but maybe when the time is right, cows jump over the moon (personal edit on my part) ... I'll ask you out.