Should I ask her to be my Valentine?

I met this girl in class, she quickly became my partner. We started studying together, and ended up becoming friends. We went to dinner once and she paid for it. She's quickly becoming a solid friend, and I like that because I can tell she's got a heart of gold.

I realized I've got a major crush on her. I don't know whether she feels the same, but even though she's used the word "friend," sometimes it really feels like it. She even texted me, "Happy Valentine's Day." I may be reading too much into it, or maybe she's hitting me over the head with signals - I'm not sure.

I'm worried that asking her to be my Valentine would put undue pressure on our partnership and even friendship if she declines. And also, so early would might scare her off. I mean, really, it's just a day usually meant for couples. Either way, what's valuable to me is having someone like her in my life, as a friend is fine with me, or as more if it develops. The reason I'm comfortable with that is I'm not sure it would work in the long run, because she comes from a traditional family, and I'm a different religion, or maybe it would work because we are similar. But right now I'm keeping control over my feelings for her, even though thinking about her usually makes me smile. If she ever read this, I would die, because it's totally unlike my collected demeanor around her.

At this point I'm holding back, thinking, I shouldn't do a thing about Valentine's day - that's the smarter move. Just let it progress as it's going, and if it happens, if I get the right signals, then move it forward - but if not, it's okay, because we can still be friends. I'm worried though, of the possibility of someone else stepping in if I don't catch the right signals in time, if they even exist.

I just like the way right now, it feels like something is blossoming, and I don't know what, but I'm hoping that letting it go as it is or as it will is the right thing to do.