Is He Just Being Protective, or Is the Control Slowly Creeping In?

On paper, my boyfriend is everything people pray for. He remembers the smallest details I mention in passing, celebrates my career wins, makes sure I’ve eaten, and shows up whenever I need a safe harbor. We share a balanced, emotionally grounded partnership. The gray area is his protective streak. He hates the idea of me walking alone at night and always arranges a cab or drives out to get me. If another man acts too friendly around me, his discomfort is obvious, even if he doesn't make a scene. A few nights ago, that instinct crossed into territory that left me unsettled. I went out for dinner with a mixed group of friends. When it wrapped up, one of the male friends offered to drop me home on his way. I texted my boyfriend to let him know, and his response was immediate: “I’d honestly feel much better if you let me come get you instead.” There was no yelling, no angry accusation, and no overt ultimatum. He simply drove down, picked me up with a smile, and drove me home. That calm delivery is what is confusing me. Was that a harmless gesture from a guy who cares about my safety, or the first subtle step of a partner setting boundaries around who I interact with? To the women who have navigated this: where does genuine care end and slow-burn control begin?