Search Results: best place for first date

In the past... when it came to relationships I went in with ignorance. I simply went for physical attraction and told the girl that I was in love with her, hoping that she would feel the same way (without actually knowing me). I have matured since my teen days and recently I have met this girl that is 5 years older than me at my job. Of course I was physically attracted to her, but I learned from my past mistakes and tried a different approach. I invited her out for lunch and actually tried to get to know her first. I was nervous, but when we hunged out we easily spent over 2 hours just talking. This was a brand new experience for me. Ever since then for 3-4 months we made plans to hang out, we ended up going to the movies, walking around, talking, going out to eat etc around 2-4 times a week. After 3 months of hanging out I told her how I felt, but she said that all she wanted was a friendship, she thought of me as her best friend. I understand that she wants to be friends, but why? She stated before that she thought I was handsome. Even though I am 5 years younger than her, we are extremely compatible. Every time we hang out it is fun, there is non stop laughing and she told me that she felt like she could be her real self around me. If she doesn't want to date me then that is fine, I still want to be in her life even if I am just a friend, but I truly do want to date her. What can I do?

P. S. I am also leaving that Job in August, so we will not be working at the same place any more.