You do realize there's an entire world of foreplay that doesn't include penetration... perhaps he's trying to venture there. But realize that if you open THAT can of worms goodluck! (By that I mean you're really going to want to have sex, and he'll probably just be a little tease about it).
I know, and I think that's where he could possibly be wanting to venture as well. It's understandable too especially if he's anxious about having sex for the first time. I know it'd probably make the desire greater and I hate being teased haha but I really do care about him so if he doesn't want to have sex or if he wants to wait until he's completely ready then I can wait for however long it takes.
I think you guys need to have a talk. Tell him that if it can't progress to sex that's fine you accept but he should in turn be able to respect your boundries which might be no more taking your pants off, and no fingering me because I get too excited for sex once we get to that point and its uncomfortable for me to get to that point and then be let down.
Conclusion: respect his boundires (no sex) but he should respect yours (nothing more than making out/ grinding or whatever).