Private Practice is giving Addison Montgomery the chance for something she never had on Grey's Anatomy: a fulfilling love life.

"We only knew her as the miserable part of a triangle" with Derek and Meredith, says Kate Walsh, who plays Addison.

"It's going to be interesting to see this character with someone who wants to be with her — in a good way. That's been fun to explore, what it's like to date and perhaps date successfully."

SWAT officer Kevin (David Sutcliffe, in a recurring role) returns to court Addison in Season 2, putting her will-they-or-won't-they situation with Oceanside colleague Pete Wilder (Tim Daly) on the shelf for now.

"But by no means are Pete and I done," she says.

Romance will play an even greater role — for better and worse — for all of the Private Practice characters in the second-year medical drama, "creating more conflict and drama and comedy," Kate Walsh says.

She echoes creator Shonda Rhimes, saying neonatal surgeon Addison will be more grounded this season, which likely would stanch outside criticism that the character lost her grit and gravitas from Grey's Anatomy.

Having had time to adjust to her new professional and personal circumstances, "she will be more in a take-charge mode," Walsh says.

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