1. She's not a 9 if she was in HS 25 years ago.
2. Women in their 40s have been around the block, a lot, especially divorced women, and don't need overly drawn out courtship. There are no 40 something prudes and you saw her 3 times without making your move.
3. You think you're being "respectful", she thinks you're timid and unsure of yourself and is turned off. Women aren't actually all that into you until after you've had sex. Now your options are to either chalk it up in the "L" column, or embarrass yourself by groveling and trying to get it back after you've already turned her off, and watch her give excuses for not being able to meet up with you again even while you keep trying.