Hiya Manifest,
She does sound to be a good girl & you sound really nice too... but since she is also a close friend of yours, just be careful of how you approach this, because you wouldn't want it to affect your relationship either. I'd say that you should start spending more time together, like going for walks, doing activities, maybe watch movies... and of course, treat her to a meal cooked by you. And in the meantime, you can indirectly ask what she thinks of you, and that you like her etc. However, I have to confess that I often ask my guy friends about whom they are going out with etc on a purely friendly basis. Try not to do stuffs over phone... whatever you have to say, do it in person.