So there is this guy (43m. Im 31f) at my job who is actually my boss, actually my boss' boss. (Already red flag I know but here me out).

Ever since he came to my store 2-3 years ago we instantly hit it off. Talking, joking around, work flirting. And since he came it has become obvious to everyone that I am his favorite, (or that is what my co workers have told me). It didnt help the whole "favorite" that that first year he let me do a half day for christmas eve when everyone else had to work.the whole day, because i asked. But I we can't really if he actually likes me or it's for some other reason I'm his "favorite". It has gotten so obvious people have started asking if we are married, or joking around by saying "oh your boy toy is here." "Oh he's cranky go talk to him, cheer him up" things like that.

But here is some context, I am pretty much the only one except for his boss, that gets along with him. I'm the only one who he actually talks too about non work things. He will be cranky one moment but then he sees me or he knows I just came in for my shift and he does a completely 180 in his mood. There will be moments where he and I will be joking around and teasing each other on the radio (mostly about our online shopping competition when we have to help them out) and then the next he is yelling at other managers on the radio and then go back to joking with me. All in literally a minute or two, no breaks. Or another situation, he, unless told by higher upside, almost always let's me get overtime. To the point I don't even have to ask. And I have even had my hr tell me that he tells everyone else no overtime but yet I still get to stay.

I do like him, I think he is cute, we have a lot in common, and he always makes my day feel better just by being there.

Any advice on what to do? Any subtle flirting tips that isn't "work flirting" or "Tell me about yourself". Any ideas on how to test the waters and see if this is could be a real thing or if he is just a flirt?

And for those wondering the dating policy is that if a boss and employee were to date one of them would have to move departments or stores. He and I are both looking to promote and move anyways, it is just a matter of waiting for a position to open up and to get hired. Outside of that there us no policy saying we can't hang out after work. As long as we don't bring that favoritism to work everything is good. (Which he already kind of failed at lol)

Thank you all for your advice and time, have a good day.