Getting to know someone without seeming pushy/overbearing etc

There's this girl I've known for about 2 years now. She's kinda like that person you're friends with but you only hang out with from time to time. Now I did ask her a while back if I could take her out for lunch or something to get to know each other and she said we should just stay friends. Yea, fine, alright but that was a while ago. Even if it doesn't go anywhere physical/romantic/blahblah I'd still REALLY like to get to know this girl better, I was at a party with her the other night and hoooolly crap she's a lot of fun! Any tips on that without coming on too strong? I seem to be really bad at that lately.

I should also mention there's a bit of a twist on this..I was really (read: REALLY) into her best friend for a while and made the unfortunate mistake of pushing said friend away a bit. Everything is fine between us now, we're on good terms but I'm sure this new girl got wind of somethings that were going on. I don't want her to think I'm still into her friend or that I'm going to end up having the same problems with her. I'm also pretty good friends with the other girl at this point, idk if that helps any?

Thanks!

Better start fresh somewhere else...girls don't forget the past.

I agree with the above poster. Unless these girls are backstabbing friends, neither are going to go for you because you been trying to get with both of them and trust me GIRLS TALK.