Trust your instincts man. She likes you! She wouldn't be chatting, etc. with you if she didn't.
Also, take what shes saying at face value - she doesn't want to date at work, no matter how much she likes you. I bet you could convince her, but unless you serioulsly think she is marriage material, I would not even consider it.
You should send her an IM and talk about it, but play it totally cool. Just say that you totally understand where she's coming from and you know she's right. Also, tell her you don't want this to be weird and you want to continue on as usual....
I bet you $100 that at some point, at some work related happy hour, you will have the opportunity if you want it. Just remember that it's a BIG risk.