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Telling her that I like her or that I find her attractive seems like the wrong thing to do in this situation.
Your instincts are right. As men, we tend to be very factual; this is not how women operate generally.
You communicate your intentions through the vibe you give off to her.
You want to be flirty/smooth/touchy/feely/teasing/playful; all those things that you would be with a girlfriend.
She will know instantly.
If she doesn't like you being this way, you'll know by analyzing her responses and her body language.
Don't throw your heart out there to her until after you've had sex unless you want to be friendzoned.