So I just got word that my former female team leader, who now works at a different company, left her boyfriend and is single again. I am 30ish and she is 40ish, 9 year difference. Obviously, she ticks my boxes and it is somewhat of a fantasy.

When she was still at the company, we had basic chemistry, like she laughing at my jokes, touching my shoulder, elbow and hand. At her goodbye party she jokingly made a point of exchanging 3 kisses instead of a handshake, stating this was finally her chance. I responded : "Who says it isnt mine either?, which made her blush and smile. Ofcourse this can mean anything from her side, because she is the attractive charming kind of women who probably justs like to flirt for the sake of it. So I have no clue, doesnt really matter anyway. Never tried to escalate because she A) was my boss and B) had a partner.

So now I want to try to hook up with her, but I do not have her number and havent seen her in 1,5-2 years. I have two options: send her a LinkedIn message or call her at the new company.

In the approach I do not want to beat around the bush to much, because we allready now each other and she has probably allready put me in a yes or no box. Further If I keep it friendly/casual at first and then try to escalate it, if feels and probably comes of to her as insincere and manipulative, because why havent I called earlier or what ever?

Last, cold approaching her after such a long time feels really needy and a little creepy, but on the other hand who gives a fuck, do not want to miss the opportunity.

Any ideas?