How to find out if girl likes me, without risking friendship?

There's this girl that i met in one of my college classes. We are both first years, have been sitting together since early September, and I've really grown to like her. During class we always talk (i know... we souldn't in class), we always have fun conversations, and we talk on MSN all the time. I want to ask her out but i don't know if she feels the same about me. How can i ask her without ruining a great friendship?? I can't tell if she likes me b/c the signals are mixed and i'm no good at pcking up girl's signals. Sometimes in class she touches me. Not in a sexual flirting way, but just as if we've become good friends and she's comfortable with me. Like she might randomly grab my arm and bury her head in it to show she's tired. We text msg too. But we haven't really done anything together outside of class even though she said she would have lunch with me and my friends sometime. It's weird b/c i have another good friend (a girl) who i met this year and we have coffee, hang out, and

How to find out if girl likes me, without risking friendship?
why dont you ask her to hangout with you and your friends some time... if she seems interested then maybe you can ask her if she would like to get some coffee or go to a movie... i she says yes then she might like you. but dont expect her to, she might be looking for a good friend right now so dont push it... stay friends with her untill you think its time... good luck :)
Reply:the easiest way to do it is go ahead and do it. you are in college now, a man, you need to be confident, and see this as a step into manhood. a step towards happiness, towards being a confident woman crazy man
Reply:Im younger.... and I kinda just went through that.... except... i ruined our friendship... i think... but from what you told me, it sounds like she likes you. maybe you should try going out to lunch with her or something. make plans. you could make it work.