There is a difference between finding a woman attractive and actually wanting to act on that. One of my closest friends is a woman, who I was never in a relationship with. I always found her attractive, fun to spend time with, and intelligent. Even if she hadn't been in a relationship for the majority of the time I've known her, we aren't a good match in terms of dating so nothing would have developed beyond friendship.

But there are different types of intimacy, but I assume you are asking if it's possible for a guy to be friends with someone of the gender they are attracted to and not want more than friendship from them? Now I might be in the minority; however, this is the case for me with quite a large number of my female friends. But I also tend to only want to have physical intimacy with someone when I see it lasting long term.

I'll admit there are some girls I'm friends with that if things had worked out differently I could have seen myself dating; however, once they are in a relationship or I'm in one I don't think of them in that fashion any more. But I also tend to be quite logical/rational about all things in my life...