What's this 'ask her out' stuff about? You already meet all the time. You don't need to say, aforehand, 'we're meeting today but today is different than other days because today I'm going to try and snog you'.
After another phone session, DIY session or whatever session, ask if she feels like going out for some dancing (/boozing/headbanging, whatever you think she likes, you should know by now) and follow your instincts.
Don't make a big 'I love you' announcement, whatever you do! Simply get more intimate with her than usual. Little touching of the hand and at an opportune moment, a kiss. If you haven't committed to anything at that point, she can very easily say 'nah, let's just stay friends, eh' and the friendship is just like it is before.
Girls, certainly right after breaking up, need to go out fishing for men again, try some on for size (which means they check 'em out, they don't necessarily get intimate with them). Once that's done, they'll decide which bloke is next. Even if they fancied that bloke all along.
How do I know this stuff?
I know for 99% certain that you're not going to, but I'll say it on the off chance that for once someone will do themselves the biggest favour of their live and listen: read Dr. John Gray. He has written the manual to women.