OK. There's this new girl at work who I'm really keen on and have been socialising with a little. We went cycling together and with friends too which seems to be the way she wants it. I've been wanting to spend time with her alone so asked her out on a date. She side stepped my offer by suggesting we went with other friends but I said it would be nice if we were alone like a proper date. She did say yes but it seemed a little awkward. I know she's been going walking with a friend of mine from work who is keen for us to go walking as a group so I don't think he's interested in her for a variety of reasons but I could be wrong.
So today I texted her asking her if she wanted to go walking with me early next week when we're both off and she texted back:
'Hey, I'm seeing some friends on those nights but just to let you know I'm happy to do stuff just as friends. Thanks hope that's cool'
You'll probably all say 'Get over her and look for someone else' but I've not lost hope yet and want to keep my chances alive. At least I know where I stand with her now and to be honest I'm gutted but what should I say to her in my text back? I'd like to show that I'm disappointed but I don't want to spoil our friendship and working relationship. Of course I'm hoping it's just a bad time for her and that I may have a chance in the future.
What should I say?