Well...This Is New - 49

Oh my gosh...
...
I'm on the phone with Paul.
He's been making snide comments about Tom lately, and he made another one under his breath.
I asked him what he said, and he said "Nothing."
Then, as a joke, I said, "He loves you."
And then, in a gentle, serious voice, he said...
"I love you."
My mouth dropped. I kept my phone against my ear, staring into space, unsure of what to say.
For fifteen seconds, we stayed there, not saying a word.
Then, I sputtered, "Um."
"I-I'm sorry," he said quickly.
"N-no, I just--" my mouth stayed open, and I blinked.
"No, I'm sorry," he said softly. "You're gonna start another fight aren't you...let's just..."
"No, it's not--"
And he changed the subject.
...
I'm still in shock.
Was it just a joke? Is that why he apologized?
I'm so...confused...I can't...even think...
What do I do?