Should I explain myself?

[EverSure75]

Good day, gentlemen

I was introduced to a woman just over a year ago. Single mom mid 30s. The friend who introduced us thought we'd make a good pair.
I met her during th middle of a custody battle which I eventually lost. I'd call her a HB8.
We went out on a few dates and we had sex about a month after we first met.
Shortly after that the court battle swung into full gear and I withdrew. We continued texting but that got less and less frequent.
A part of my thinks she's cool and I find her sexually attractive. Another part of me thinks she has some anger issues. She's never been anything but respectful to me.
A little background on her. She's raised by her dad, a top brass military man. She's very logical and precise almost kinda tomboy ish, very disciplined,can shoot pretty well.
She makes it clear that she expects a man to lead and make decisions. Seems like traditional values to me.

We've been in touch via text mostly and went out for dinner a few weeks ago.
I was testing the waters so to speak wondering if she still desired me.
On the date we chatted and when I took her home I hugged her and she instead planted a kiss...a slow kiss on the lips.

AM I wrong in thinking that there's stil some desire in her part?
I want to step the relationship up to just sex and maybe more. Is this a wise move after so long? Have I friendzoned myself?
On another note, the friend who introduced us has asked me in several occasions what's happening with us. She wondered if I friendzoned her because things haven't moved far I guess. In figured my response would get back to her so I simply said. I like her she would make a good girlfriend I think but right now I'm just focusing on myself after realising I've wasted the past decade in afc territory (I didn't say it like that exactly ).

A part of me feels this woman is an outlier single mom and would make a good girlfriend. The other part of me thinks I'm suffering from oneitis with her.
I've been thinking of 'leveling' with her and telling her that I've had a really busy year getting my life together and that I'd like to spend more time with her from here on out. As I type this I'm realising how beta it sounds lol.

What advice do you give gentlemen?leave her alone.cut all ties?
Spend more time with her have more sex? In effect..treat her like a plate?

I'm in search of some guidance. Thanks

 

[YawataNoKami]

Single mothers use sex as a weapon. Single moms are good for one thing only.
Pump and dump boys.

 

[MOTU]

I agree with Mauser. And I would add, don't tell her how you feel show her. By asking her out and banging her.

 

[Tictac]

Don't complain, don't explain.

If you fancy her, go for it without apology.

 

[JustOlder_!]

you are definitely suffering from 1ITIS. You barely know her and you have her in girlfriend category. I also think your acting like a white night. "a single mother"? ??? who gives a f what she is. She doesn't care about you so stop putting your dream onto her. That's the vibe your sending out and she is pulling away -quit trying to save her and if you want to bang her - do so. Otherwise, move along. The one thing men forget is that we have an artificial societal programming to be the bonder. When don't get those chemicals. .........

 

[EverSure75]

Thanks, gentlemen.
Solid advice and reminders. I'll report back.