Dee, you're welcome to come and analyzing my old fics whenever you want!

I am of the opinion that he did think she wanted him but at the same time thought he'd be bad for her and felt responsible to protect her from her own poor taste in men(him).

I'm sure there were times that Josh suspected that Donna might have feelings for him, and vice versa. But by season 7, I think both had given up hope that the other would ever return their feelings.

I think Josh was just waiting for a chance... never knowing that he always had one.