Could he be jealous of his friend (31F, 33M)?

I’m close friends with this guy, no one knows about “us” because we work together, but I’ve had feelings for him for about a year now. I confessed to to him, he seemed to feel the same, but then denied and said “just friends”. Now his best buddy at work started talking to me, out of nothing, everyday (I don’t think he put him to it) and I was wondering if he could feel potentially jealous. It’s worth noting that my friend and I talk everyday, we have good chemistry, but I’ve decided to distance myself lately, which’s making him text me everyday instead.
Could he be jealous of his friend (31F, 33M)?
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