I completely agree with your explanation and that is what I was basing my descriptions regarding their connectedness. I feel that the stronger the affinity and by extension magic prowess, to the Aether the stronger the connection would be to others.  Or at least the stronger the sense of them.  Maybe even like a magnetic field with varying levels of magnetism. 

As for the amorous part, I want to remind you that the man is still very naive and innocent on certain matters.  Especially girls.  All he knows is from the house of sin he grew up on.  As you stated, he is very attracted to her and maybe in his male mind may be whispering things that are not necessarily true but his young mind, a tween really, is telling him he likes the girl but what that really means is a mystery to him. 

One thing is for certain, he does not like anybody messing with the people he considers important lol.