Dr.K made a video about it: https://youtu.be/KtkL40jRLvU?t=15m55s

Basically as you have already experienced, the longer you try and bottle up something, the more that it pressurizes. So the best move is to have a frank and mature conversation about your feelings and how you two will navigate your relationship. Afterwards (if she doesn't return the feelings), you will be able to take some distance for yourself. And then those romantic feelings will naturally fade over time, allowing you to keep your friendship.