keyhole scarf directions

I just finished the keyhole scarf as a class sample. I had no problem with the split or the cables, but when I got to the end of the cables and started to decrease, I found a problem. I was working with 36 stitches, but the instructions said (decrease row) K1, *K2, K2 tog. Repeat from * across to last 3 sts. K3, 28 sts. I tried this three times, and did not get 28 (I got less). I finally reworked the instructions to be: (decrease row) K3, *K2, K2 tog. Repeat from * across to last 3 sts. K3, 28 sts.
Did anyone else have this problem - I thought I was counting wrong.