In this excerpt from "Missing in Death" by J.D. Robb, the character expresses frustration over intrusive thoughts linking another person, McNab, with intimacy, causing emotional turmoil. The phrase highlights the discomfort and pain that arise from unwanted memories or associations that linger in the mind, suggesting a deep-seated pain that remains unresolved.

This situation reflects the complexity of relationships and the difficulty of managing personal feelings, particularly when they intertwine with past experiences. The quote encapsulates the struggle of trying to move past memories that are intertwined with both emotional and physical connections, leaving a lasting impact that no amount of distraction can alleviate.