Ok this is love life advice, so be warned!

I have recently broken up with my boyfriend, mostly since he has to leave soon for the military, but all the time we were going out, I had a crush. Well I think it is more then a crush. I've been crazy over my drum major (even before he was my drum major) for the past 3 years, including the nine months I was going out with my recent ex. I don't want to go out with him as a rebound guy, so how do I get his attention in a 'I've been interested in you for a while' kind of way with out coming off desperate. I'm not very good at these things....

PLEASE HELP!