PCG..... As a wife, I would hate it if my hubby had female friends who would joke around in a flirtatious style or something. But then, in your case these women might be open-minded and okay with that. I know I'm not that open-minded but some females are.
Its good that you're being careful..... maybe you just need to be more careful in how you talk to them when hanging out but you don't need to avoid them.... just be a little cautious :) As long as you don't end up blatantly flirting, you should be good.
P.S. Cracking jokes and laughing is NOT flirting.