can he really change or is it an act to get me back??

well there is this guy i dated for 8 months and fell in love with him, he was there threw everything, when i got sick, and a really bad break up. over the last few months things got really really bad, he was an *** hole always thought he was right and had to have it, his way. so i broke things off and then i started liking another guy but i just knew with him things were better friends so i went back to my ex but we are only friends i mean we hang out every chance we get and we go on dates and we still kiss and hold hands and he seems his oldself again but i dont know if its cause of he is just wanting me back so im asking is it just an act or has he really changed????