...because it's so ominous in context. He's reeling her in or shepherding her, and he's so good at it and he doesn't have to work at it and it hurts.

Wow, that's a perfect way to put it. I hadn't thought about a shepherd metaphor, but that's really good. The shepherd, or the sheep dog, doesn't have to grab the sheep and drag it to the pen, he just appears on its flank and the sheep goes in the direction he wants. No hands.

You're welcome, and thanks again for the great post!