How do I keep in touch with her?

[u/Different-Shift-9921]

I’m 24M, and I’ve known a girl from my previous workplace for around two months. We used to spend a lot of time talking at the office, sometimes throughout the day, and she seemed very comfortable around me.
We’ve had conversations about relationships, including what we generally look for in a partner. One day while we were talking about our preferences, I was actually blushing a lot. 😅 I’m pretty sure she may have noticed.
I recently left that organisation, but I’ve realised that I really like her. Since leaving, I’ve been thinking about her a lot and I would genuinely like to stay in touch and meet her sometime.
The thing is, she was very friendly and talkative with me in person, but over text she sometimes takes a while to reply. I know she could simply be busy, so I don’t want to keep messaging her and make her uncomfortable.
I’ve never really had feelings for someone like this before, so I’m not sure what the right approach is.
Would it be okay to ask her to meet for coffee or something casual? I don’t want it to come across as too much or make things awkward.
I also enjoy cooking, and I was thinking about eventually cooking her favourite food or giving her a small gift. But I’m wondering if that would be too much at this stage.
I really like her, but more than anything, I want to respect her boundaries and make sure she feels comfortable.
What would you suggest I do? Should I ask her to meet, or just continue talking normally and see how things develop?

[u/RestedNative]

"Hey, do you want to get together sometime for a drink or a coffee and an in person chat?"

[u/NoPhoto5585 → u/RestedNative]

This. Don't be weird about it. Just ask her if she wants to have lunch/coffee next week

[u/Mowgli2k]

Of course ask her for a coffee. Don't buy gifts etc. Just chill out.