Firstly, hello! Second, I have a situation and as I am pretty rubbish with women I need your expertise to know the best strategies to handle this.

OK, so the back story: there's a very attractive woman at my work who I noticed ages ago. We spoke for the first time at a cocktail bar (a colleague was having a party there) and we got on well. Since then she was always smiley and would wave at me and be friendly, which is nice but doesn't mean a whole lot. At another party she was there but we didn't talk as I was feeling ill and went home early - the next day we met at work and she was chatty and friendly. We've met for lunch twice since then, the last time was today. There's something about her body language that made me think there was a spark there - she stands close, directly in front of me, and in our conversation we kind of gently joke and make fun of each other, but in a nice way. Although today she seemed a little more distant - just a subtle difference. However, she is not single - she has a boyfriend and I know nothing about the guy or the relationship.

I really like this person, more than just physically. I don't want to break someone up but I do want a fair shot if the opportunity arises.

I'm not really any good with women, I need someone who knows how to play this to give me advice. It's a tricky situation and I think I need to play it gently to not scare her into backing off. Female friends tell me to play it slowly and let her develop attraction towards me, then it's up to her to go with me or stay with her current boyfriend.

I'd really appreciate advice, especially from guys who know how to deal with this sort of scenario

In term of being a "nice guy", I would give up on her and stay friends. By the way, the way she acts makes me think that she only needs a friend... If she has a boyfriend, don't even try to put your foot on there! It's your job as well, don't make things complicated and be friendly with her. She might be cute, she might be interested in something with you as well, but it's "friendly" what she's interested into! :p