I really like this guy but its only been a few dates and he's admitted that he wears his heart on his sleeve!?

He's a nice guy, he's not shy but you can tell he's weary of letting his feelings shown in case of getting hurt. He's not the best looking guy and my friends say I can do better blah blah blah and that i'm the first girl they've seen him with. But he is sweet, affectionate but not overly charming, our sense of humour is very similar and i feel really comfortable around him. He's not smothering by any means however others say hes acting desperate - his last relationship was 8 months ago. I think he's aware people judge him and i can tell that underneath it all he is really bothered about what others think. To me he's a relationship kinda guy and covers it up with a 'anything i can get' kind of attitude. I'm not being big headed but i probably am the best looking girlfriend hes had, i know he wants more than what i'm prepared to give at this time. I've never been one to go solely for looks but i do feel embarred in front of people i know because of what others say. Its bad to think like that and part of me wants to keep him as my little 'dirty' little secret if you like. He is pure gent. I'm just a bit uncomfortable that my friends dont really accept him. I've already started to develop feelings for him but i'm scared of hurting him by being shallow and listening to others opinions.