What goes around...

[Mr Rick]

I did the same thing. Against a different regular I started to bet and when I saw the call coming I stopped (well short of my cards). But instead of saying check, I just put the chips in. If I was the Floor I would have ruled it a bet (my motion like yours was very clearly an intended bet).

Next time against the same player though I will check his hands while I am picking up my chips. If I see any chips I will back off (unless I actually have a hand). He always will call there, but he doesn't want me to bet.