Search Results: touchy feely with friends

I've become friends with this girl. The other day, we shared a deep and meaningful conversation. Ever since, she's been hugging me every chance she gets and generally being all touchy feely in a non-sexual way (leaning on me, poking me, resting head on my shoulder etc).

Over the last week, I've been over to her place a few times to study for exams, where this behaviour continued (she'd come from behind and hug me while I'm studying). Having had no physical relationship in a good 5 years, I wasn't about to complain about hugs from a member of the opposite sex, so I willingly received them. After a bit, I started doing the same; I'd wrap my arms around her stomach and she'd reach up and behind and pull me closer, a very sensual reply in my opinion. After a day of study, we watched a movie where we snuggled up nice and cozy, hand holding, hair stroking and all (no kissing or sexual business).

Now, to me, this is something only couples do. But I had a feeling that she did this with other friends. So instead of asking "Hey, do you snuggle up with your other guy friends?", I decided to kiss her on the cheek and gauge her reaction. I did so, she was very surprised and we have since had a conversation that she wasn't interested and infact does do this sort of thing with her close guy friends.

My question is, was I wrong in assuming snuggling, hand holding and general affection = interest? I am somewhat a loner with very little social experience, but isn't this sort of behaviour generally reserved for couples?

It may also be relavent that:
- She has very few friends also
- She's asexual
- She's 17, 4 years younger than me (very mature for her age though)