I've realized one of my sticking points: I'm good at approaching and building rapport, and I even get numbers.

But I'm never sure if the girl feels an emotional/sexual connection or not, because we just make joking or interesting/intellectual banter. I realize I ought to be more direct right from the beginning, but I'm wondering if there's any tips to saving myself mid-interaction. Really, I think I get too attached to the safety I've built of getting far into an interaction without rejection, and ought to let go of this.

Question: Has anyone made their intentions clear mid or late interaction, to any avail?
I.e. "you're cute" or "alright, I have your number, we'll do something romantic".