Yes on kino escalating, no on kiss closing.
Do some compliance tests to see her comfort level. Calibrate accordingly. If she's compliant to you, a good first kino escalation is hugging goodbye. When you part, get a hug from her. How is it? Like one of those awkward, kid-and-granny-in-church side hugs? Is it a friend hug (front hug with mostly shoulder contact)? Is it a GF hug (shoulder and torso contact)? Or is it a I-want-you Spartan hug? (300 reference: Spartans cover their buddies "THIGH TO NECK")
From there, then you can start with kino escalation like arm-in-arm, hands play, thigh touching, etc. Calibrate for her comfort at every level. I would save the kiss for later. If you're wrong and she's giving false IOI's, attempting a kiss close might get you blown out, which could ruin your whole friendship.