Recently a crush at work called me her "precious boy" after she found out that I have tattoos and us sharing more similar interests. I found it weird that she referred me as her "precious boy", given she has a boyfriend. But, I've known her for a few months, and with the way she said it, I know she was sincere. I'm just unsure if this can be interpreted in a flirty way or if she was just putting me in the friend zone.
It is certainly inappropriate for a person that is in a relation to call a co-worker "precious".
Even though she is a working colleague, one should keep the social distance, knowing that this term can be misinterpreted, just as you do.
To you, she is a mere crush but I have my doubts that you are more than just a working colleague to her.
By "precious", she probably meant that you are sharing the same interests and that she sees those interests as being valuable but I certainly would not take it personal and believe that there is potential chemistry other than the sharing of work and an interest.
You seem to be crushing on her but don't forget that crushes are usually one-sided affairs and that they are seldom reciprocated.
It is probably not flirty but just showing interest.
It is flirty. It is also kind of lame.
