I simply explained that due to the nature of the situation (working together, knowing the same folks, personality differences, and being on different pages as far as the AGGRESSIVENESS of pursuit), I felt uncomfortable and that was my confirmation that anything other than a friendship will never work. She was very hurt.
I didn't want to harden the blow, but I did tell her that in the future if she meets a guy and likes him, too much aggression can be a turn off and push him away. If a person says "take it slow and give me space" that's exactly what that means. She understood, but still showed signs of being very hurt and disappointed.
I stopped this morning and bought flowers (peach, yellow, and white roses...NO RED) and a thank you card for all of the gifts she gave me for my birthday and my birthday-week. She came and hugged me and thanked me and said it made her feel better.
After the hug, I shook her hand and said "Friends always?" and she said "always friends".
All's well that ends well.
On the flip side, when I was in love I pursued my ex AGGRESSIVELY because I knew that she was what I wanted. If the way I felt in this is how my ex felt back then, now I understand why she ran with both feet. I loved her too much. So, there was a lesson learned in all of this for me as well.
Finally, I think I have reached a temporary point of contentment with being single and by myself. Praise God!!!