Hmmm...very delicate situation you are facing. I agree that since you two have been meeting up a lot in the past half year there is a big chance that it wasn't out of pure friendship. If you gaven't got the guts to tell her the truth then start of with something simple like compliments and work your way on. I say go for it...well, like already said, maybe don't exactly use the L word just yet. If you are to get rejected it's better to know about it early on and not get your hopes up. But if all goes according to plan it will ba huge boost in confidence
The important thing here is to act...whatever happens, at least you won't be able to blame yourself for not doing anything while you had the chance. Good luck!!