It sounds like you’ve found yourself in an intriguing situation! It's understandable to question the intentions behind someone’s actions, especially when there are mixed signals involved. Let’s break down some of the signs and messages you’ve noticed, and explore how you might interpret them.

1. Body Language and Eye Contact:

The fact that you've noticed his eyes sparkling and engaging in long eye contact can be significant. Eye contact is often a powerful indicator of interest. According to studies, prolonged eye contact can create feelings of intimacy and connection, which might suggest he feels drawn to you in a way that goes beyond a professional relationship.

2. Comments About Your Visits:

His comments about you not stopping by often could be seen as a subtle way of expressing that he enjoys your company. It’s common for people to make light-hearted remarks about someone’s absence when they miss them. This could indicate that he values your presence and possibly wishes for more interaction.

3. Continued Communication:

His ongoing messages asking how you are and specifically stating "I’ve missed you" adds another layer to this. This phrase typically denotes a level of emotional connection. While it’s possible that he’s simply looking for more work, the personal touch in his messages suggests he may have a genuine interest in you as a person.

4. Availability for Work:

His willingness to travel an hour for work and even stay over for bigger jobs demonstrates flexibility and commitment to his work, but it could also imply that he’s open to spending more time with you. This could be interpreted as an opportunity for him to foster a closer relationship if he is indeed interested.

5. Attraction and Interest:

Given that you find him attractive and are interested, it’s important to consider your feelings as well. Mutual attraction can often lead to a deeper connection. If you feel comfortable, you might explore this connection further by inviting him to engage in a casual activity outside of work. For example, suggesting a coffee or lunch could provide a relaxed setting for both of you to interact beyond the handyman-client dynamic.

6. Assessing Intentions:

To gain clarity on his intentions, you could look for more signals of interest. Does he ask personal questions about your life? Does he seem engaged and enthusiastic in your conversations? These can be positive signs of romantic interest.

Ultimately, while there may be a possibility that he is simply seeking more work, the combination of his body language, comments, and continued communication suggests that he might be interested in you romantically. It’s perfectly valid to explore this potential connection, especially if you feel the same way. Just approach the situation with an open mind and be clear about your own feelings and intentions.

In conclusion, you're not reading too much into this; there are several indicators of potential romantic interest. Trust your instincts and consider taking a step towards exploring this connection further!