Ok I'll try to make the story short.

I usually wouldn't ask for help, but I really need it this time around.

First of all, I am not trying to be cocky or anything... but let me say that out of all dates so far, the girls usually initiate... so I've absolutely NO EXPERIENCE asking a girl out

Second, I am in professional school, where our class is relatively small... so If I do ask this girl out and s*** falls apart... it is going to be VERY AWKWARD for the next 3 years

Lastly, I have no problem talking to random chicks @ bars and clubs (well, I guess alcohol helps) and actually, I have no problem talking normally to this girl I like. But whenever the conversation is about dating/relationships, I either blank out or say something completely stupid... she just makes me flutter like that

I guess what I want to ask on here is how would I "test" the waters? I am not sure if she feels the same way, I THINK she does, but what the hell would I know b/c she's so damn nice to everyone
Here are some signs I guess?
1. after a class gathering (most ppl left), I talked to her for a good 2-3 hours alone (this is what sparked my interest in her)
2. she would sometimes walk with me on the way home, even though its a bit out of her way
3. she asked me if I only dated girls of my ethnicity
(here is the stupid thing on my part... I said NO, and did not follow it up with anything... I want to ask her the same thing now but its been like a week so It is going to seem so random)

I did drop some hints here and there like sitting next to her in class everyday and what not, but I guess shes not the kind to initiate so that's why I gotta do it

Im usually pretty confident but whenever i'm around this girl I just cant think straight.... helllllp -_-

PS. I NEVER asked her if she had a boyfriend, I dont think so b/c she never brings anything about a bf up but i cannot be sure. What is a good way to ask SUBTLY lol

I say subtly b/c of the same class dilemma, I don't want to cross that line if she does have a boyfriend, I need something to fall back on so it wont be awkward as hell