My best friend of 20 years is a guy. There has been sexual tension between us at times, but we always kept it in check, cept for one time when we were 18 and drunk..

But seriously, we were in each other's weddings, friends with each other's spouses, and spoil each other's children.

It can work, and be wonderful, just need good boundaries.

The thing to really think about, is if you take the love route, you run the chance of not having her in your life if you don't work out. But if you do, you have someone who has already loved you for years, warts and all, and who may even know your soul better than some new woman.