I am assuming you are writing the directions using Word, not a web page.
(Word is not very good for the latter.)
It would help if you could provide a screenshot of what it is you would like your page to look like. Your description is unclear, to me. Please also size your screenshot to not cause horizontal scrolling.
How to attach a screenshot or file in this forum.
The following is provided as background. It is the best way to do numbered lists, including single-level lists:
How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly