When two people can strive with patience and perseverance for such a relationship and attain the goal, it is one of the most gratifying experiences of this life. As you say, you don't really know what love is. If there is attraction and you already like him, this is a good start. The strong sexual feelings you are experiencing means you are a healthy Muslimah who needs to find a suitable mate and marriage is the best outlet for these feelings as opposed to other methods. As for its permissibility, this is something best answered by a Muslim scholar.
Love is many things to many people, and for each couple it can be something different.
Strive to know yourself and cultivate yourself to be loving in all of its forms and insh'Allah, you will find someone like yourself.