Yes, that's makes it even more strange. Let there be an established mutual interest.

Here's the thing. You waited all this time to tell her this, being her friend in the meantime, it's not only manipulative but it's showing over investment. She hasn't earned that investment from you yet. That's not to talk down on her, it's that she like most women wants to earn affection. So let her.

In the future here is my advice. When you meet a girl you're interested in make it clear in less than two weeks and/or 3 hang outs. For instance, I met my girlfriend as an old acquaintance I hadn't seen in years. We ran into each other and decided to catch up (first hang out) I specifically went into it with no expectations but wanting to get to know her. We hit it off, I told her that night I had a great time I'd love to do it again, she agreed. The next day I asked if she was busy the following Monday. We hung out again and really hit it off well. At the end of that hang out I asked her on a date.

Why?

Because it gave me an her an opportunity to get to know each other and build interest. It allowed us to feel each other out in without the pressure of a romantic situation.

Asking her out in a quick fashion made my intentions clear without falling into the "friend zone".

It removed most of the awkward first date tension while keeping the excitement of meeting a new person.

It also allowed me to fish for the basic information I needed to make sure I gave her an excellent first date.

I have done this for every serious relationship I have ever had. I have had a few flings and one night stands that started out differently... and I don't consider myself some play boy or casinova but I know what works for me and I stick with it. Especially when I meet somebody I know I want. If you're interested in learning to be better with women I suggest you start with a book called Models The Art of Attracting women Through Honesty by Mark Manson. It's not games or special sleezy techniques, it's just about being you and being proud of it.