Arielle Kebbel knew that Belle and Cal’s relationship was heading toward a turning point in Marshals, but she was surprised by how strongly fans reacted when the characters finally shared their first kiss.

In Season 1, Episode 7, titled “Family Business,” Belle and Cal, played by Logan Marshall-Green, share drinks and have an emotional conversation about the problems in Belle’s marriage. As the moment grows more intense, the two give in to their feelings and kiss. However, realizing they have crossed a line in their professional relationship, they pull apart, and Belle leaves.

The scene left viewers buzzing, especially after the series had gradually brought the characters closer together and hinted at a slow-burning romance. Speaking to PEOPLE, Kebbel, 41, admitted that while she anticipated the kiss, she underestimated its impact on the audience.

“I guess in my mind, I was like, ‘Okay, it’s a kiss. Like, we know where this is going,’” she recalled. “But it was like, ‘Oh, it’s a kiss,’” acknowledging just how significant the moment felt to fans.

“It keeps me on my toes, seeing the fans’ reactions to the stuff that we’ve already filmed,” Kebbel added. She also hinted that viewers could be surprised by Belle’s choices in Season 2.

Arielle Kebbel Praises Her On-Screen Chemistry With Logan Marshall-Green

As Marshals prepares for its second season, Kebbel says the show will continue exploring Belle and Cal’s complicated connection, alongside the difficulties in Belle’s marriage to Jared Skinner. Season 1 revealed that Jared had been unfaithful, adding another layer to Belle’s personal struggles.

Working with Marshall-Green, 49, also keeps Kebbel engaged because she never knows exactly what to expect from him in a scene.

“He’s that type of actor that you show up to play with,” she said.

“Logan is a classically trained actor,” Kebbel explained. “I always get to set, and I’m curious to watch him, because I know that depending on the scene and what we’re doing that day, he’s going to be a little different toward me.”

Marshall-Green previously shared his enthusiasm for working with Kebbel in an April interview with PEOPLE, praising the opportunity to portray characters whose relationship has become “very intimate.” Reflecting on the kiss, he said he felt the scene worked well on the page and that the moment felt earned.

Marshals Season 2 Will Bring Belle and Cal Closer

Ahead of the second-season premiere, series creator Spencer Hudnut also offered a glimpse of what lies ahead for the pair, suggesting their relationship will deepen as the story progresses.

“We know that there’s attraction and emotions and connection there,” Hudnut said. Looking back at the end of Season 1, he added, “It felt like Belle was opening herself up to maybe exploring something.”

According to Hudnut, Belle’s unhappy marriage leaves room for her to confront her feelings for Cal. Meanwhile, as Cal navigates life with cancer, Belle is determined to become a more active part of his personal life.

“She knows that he needs someone by her side,” Hudnut explained. “So I think she’s going to be with him every step of the way, and I think that’s emotionally going to open themselves up even further to each other.”

With their attraction no longer entirely unspoken, Season 2 could bring new emotional complications for both characters as Belle weighs her marriage against the growing bond she shares with Cal.

New episodes of Marshals air Sundays on CBS.

Source: Compiled from various sources